Brandon Clarke, a veteran basketball forward for the Memphis Grizzlies, died on May 11, 2026, his agency and NBA team confirmed. Since the late athlete was just 29, sports fans are reeling from the news and wondering what the cause of death is.
Moreover, Clarke’s death came weeks after he was arrested in Arkansas due to allegations of speeding, reckless driving and possessing a controlled substance. According to police, Clarke had more than 200 grams of kratom in his car.
Here is what we know so far about Clarke’s death and his final weeks.
As previously mentioned, Clarke was arrested in April 2026 on allegations of speeding, reckless driving and possessing a controlled substance.
Per the Daily Memphian, Clarke allegedly sped up to 100 mph during a high-speed chase and allegedly carried more than 200 grams of kratom in his car. Kratom is a tree from Southeast Asia, and its leaves can be used as a stimulant or a sedative, depending on the amount a person uses. Kratom is considered illegal in the state of Arkansas, and its legality varies state by state.
Clarke’s cause of death has not been determined at the time of publication. However, according to NBC Los Angeles, authorities are investigating it as a possible overdose.
On May 11, 2025, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a 911 call of a medical emergency just after 5 p.m. local time. When paramedics arrived, they declared Clarke dead at the scene, and drug paraphernalia was found in the home.
