NBA rocked as Grizzlies star Brandon Clarke dies suddenly at 29… a month after being arrested on drug charges

Memphis Grizzlies star Brandon Clarke has died at the age of 29, it has been announced. 

The Grizzlies confirmed Clarke’s sudden death on Tuesday, describing him as an ‘outstanding’ member of the Memphis community. 

‘We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,’ the NBA team said in a statement. ‘Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten.

‘We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.’

While a cause of death has not yet been confirmed, Los Angeles outlet NBC4 has revealed that Clarke’s death was being investigated as a possible overdose.

The Canadian-American player was found dead in the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles County, after fire crews responded to a 911 call of a medical emergency shortly after 5pm local time on Monday. 

Memphis Grizzlies player Brandon Clarke has died at the age of 29, it has been announced 

Clarke was found dead in the San Fernando Valley on Monday. His death is being investigated as a possible overdose

Paramedics are said to have declared him dead upon arrival at the scene, with drug paraphernalia found in the home. 

Clarke, who was selected by Memphis with the 25th overall pick in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft, died just four months before his 30th birthday. 

It also comes one month after he was arrested in Arkansas on charges including speeding and trafficking a controlled substance. 

The Cross County Sheriff’s Department booked him into jail on April 1 for improper passing, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing and exceeding the speed limit and trafficking a controlled substance.

Injuries had limited the 6ft 8in Grizzlies forward to only two games this season in a frustrating year, with Memphis recently ruling him out for the rest of this season.

Clarke was in his seventh season out of Gonzaga. He missed 73 games after originally sitting out 26 matches while recovering from surgery on his right knee and the last 46 with a right calf strain.

In one of his final social-media posts, the Memphis player commented on a video shared three days ago by his barber, whose Instagram handle is @california_kingdoc.

He replied to his barber less than two days ago: ‘Love brotha !’

In one of his final social-media interactions, the Grizzlies star commented on a video shared by his barber three days ago, which showed him getting his hair and beard tidied up

Clarke was arrested last month on charges including trafficking a controlled substance

Tributes have poured in for the 6ft 8in Memphis forward after his death

Tributes have poured in for Clarke following his death, including from NBA commissioner Adam Silver.

‘We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke,’ Silver said in a statement. ‘As one of the longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved teammate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit.

‘Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon’s family, friends and the Grizzlies organization.’

The National Basketball Players Association also wrote in a statement: ‘We are heartbroken by the tragic passing of our brother, Brandon Clarke. 

‘This is an incredible loss for the brotherhood. We will remember Brandon not only for the immense joy he brought to so many throughout his career, but for the genuine friendships he built far beyond basketball. Our deepest condolences go out to Brandon’s family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time.’ 

Basketball fans, meanwhile, have been paying their respects following the heartbreaking news.

‘RIP Brandon Clarke,’ one user commented. ‘Way too young, man. Condolences to his family, the Grizzlies, and everyone who knew him. This one hurts.’ 

Clarke died in the San Fernando Valley just four months before his 30th birthday

‘Wtf? Noooo? So young and energetic,’ said another. ‘Sending strength to his loved ones and family’.

While a third put: ‘Wow RIP. Always so sad and shocking when someone dies so young. Prayers for his friends and family’.

Several NBA franchises also posted tributes to Clarke, including the Golden State Warriors.

‘Sending our condolences to Brandon Clarke’s family, friends, and the entire @memgrizz organization,’ the Warriors posted on X.

The Charlotte Hornets also wrote: ‘Heartfelt condolences to Brandon Clarke’s family, friends, and the @memgrizz organization.’