Nation & World News
Nation & World News

Memphis forward Brandon Clarke died from effects of heroin and cocaine, authorities say

Authorities have determined that Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died in May from the effects of heroin and cocaine
FILE - Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke looks on from the bench in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Feb. 3, 2026, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill, File)

Credit: AP Photo/Brandon Dill

Credit: AP Photo/Brandon Dill

FILE - Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke looks on from the bench in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Feb. 3, 2026, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill, File)
Aug 7, 2026

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died in May from the effects of heroin and cocaine, authorities said Friday.

The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner said the 29-year-old basketball player's death was accidental.

Clarke was found dead inside a home near Los Angeles on May 11. A person familiar with the terms of the investigation told The Associated Press after the Grizzlies announced Clarke’s passing that drug paraphernalia was found at the residence. The person had spoken on condition of anonymity because those details had not been released publicly.

Clarke was under contract to be with the Grizzlies through the 2026-27 season.

About six weeks before he died, Clarke was arrested in Arkansas on charges of speeding, reckless driving and possessing a controlled substance. He was with Memphis for all seven of his pro seasons after finishing his college career at Gonzaga.

More Stories

Keep Reading

File- Atlanta Falcons linebacker Jalon Walker (11) works during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik,File)

Credit: AP Photo/Danny Karnik

Falcons' Jalon Walker to miss the 2026 season with a torn ACL

Atlanta Falcons linebacker Jalon Walker will miss the 2026 season with a torn ACL, the team announced Wednesday.

Chiefs' Eric Bieniemy returns to practice after wife's shooting at their Virginia home

Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has returned to the Kansas City Chiefs for his first practice since his wife was shot at their Virginia home.

48m ago
BULLDOGS

Kirby Smart on Jalon Walker’s ACL injury: ‘He’ll come back twice as good’

Former Georgia football star Jalon Walker, now with the Atlanta Falcons, will “come back twice as good” from a season-ending ACL injury, Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart says.

The Latest

Residents and rescue workers search through the rubble of a collapsed building after an earthquake struck Cali, Colombia, Monday, Aug. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Santiago Saldarriaga)

Credit: AP Photo/Santiago Saldarriaga

Magnitude-7.4 quake hits western Colombia, collapsing buildings and killing at least 73 people

7m ago

Hundreds more flights are canceled as Tropical Storm Dolphin causes flooding in eastern China

8m ago

WHO says Congo's fast-moving Ebola outbreak started months before it was declared

9m ago

Featured

A Delta flight had to turn around and return to Atlanta on Saturday after fumes were reported in the flight deck, officials say. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

Delta flight returns to Atlanta, passengers evacuated after fumes reported in cockpit

More than 200 passengers and crew evacuate a Delta plane using slides in Atlanta after fumes were reported in the cockpit Saturday, officials say.

99X guts its on-air staff as Cumulus Media makes massive cuts nationwide

99X cut much of its on-air staff Friday as part of cost-cutting measures at Cumulus Media as a whole.

MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

Falcons are in trouble already, but their NFC South rivals also have issues

The Falcons are in trouble before they’ve even played one exhibition game. If you’re looking for a silver lining, you can find it at training camps for their rivals.