NBA player of J’can descent died of heroin, cocaine overdose
LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — The death of NBA Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke was ruled an accident due to “the effects of heroin and cocaine,” the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner announced on Friday.
Clarke, who died on May 11 at the age of 29, was a dual American and Canadian citizen, born to a Canadian mother and Jamaican father.
“The Medical Examiner report will be available at a future date,” according to the office’s statement.
Clarke was found unresponsive in his bedroom on May 11 and pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
A deputy medical examiner conducted an examination of Clarke the next day and the cause and manner of death were certified Friday.
Clarke was taken 21st overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by Oklahoma City, which traded him to Memphis a few days later.
In seven seasons with the Grizzlies, Clarke averaged 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists a game over 309 career contests.
