Brandon Clarke's cause of death confirmed as heroin and cocaine, coroner finds

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office has released its autopsy findings for former Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke, confirming that both heroin and cocaine were found in his system at the time of his death.

Clarke spent the core years of his NBA career in Memphis after being selected in the 2019 draft, becoming a fan favorite for his energy, athleticism, and shot-blocking. His time with the Grizzlies was interrupted by a serious Achilles injury that cost him significant playing time and altered his trajectory in the league.

The coroner's report adds a painful specificity to a loss the basketball community has been processing since Clarke's death. He was 29.