Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dies at age of 29: ‘He was the gentlest soul’

TL;DR

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died at 29, confirmed by his sports agency. He was a beloved figure known for his kindness and community involvement.

Key points

Brandon Clarke died at age 29, confirmed by his sports agency.
He was a first-round pick for the Grizzlies in 2019.
Clarke was known for his kindness and community involvement.

Mentioned in this story

Priority SportsVancouver

Brandon ClarkeMemphis Grizzlies

Brandon Clarke was a first-round pick for the Grizzlies in 2019. Photograph: Stephen Gosling/NBAE/Getty Images (Photograph: Stephen Gosling/NBAE/Getty Images) Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died at the age of 29, his sports agency has confirmed. “We are beyond devastated by the passing of Brandon Clarke,” Priority Sports said. “He was so loved by all of us here, and everyone whose life he touched. He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family. Our hearts are so broken as we think about his mom, Whitney, his entire family and all of his friends. From high school to San Jose State to Gonzaga to the Grizzlies, Brandon impacted everyone who was part of his life.” Clarke had a standout college career with San Jose State and Gonzaga before he was picked by the Grizzles with the 21st overall selection of the 2019 draft. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie team in his first season in Memphis. He signed a four-year extension with the Grizzlies in 2022 but missed most of the past season after undergoing knee surgery. Clarke was born in Vancouver before his family moved to the United States when he was a child. He was active in the Memphis community and celebrated his 29th birthday by donating books and resources to a local elementary school. “Every time I talk to kids, I try to get that in their minds that school is important, teachers are important and grades matter,” Clarke told the Memphis Commercial Appeal. “I couldn’t have made it here without locking in on reading, writing and all of that stuff.”

Q&A

What were Brandon Clarke's achievements in his basketball career?

Brandon Clarke was a first-round pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, named to the NBA All-Rookie team, and signed a four-year extension with the Grizzlies in 2022.

How did Brandon Clarke contribute to the Memphis community?

Clarke was active in the Memphis community, notably celebrating his 29th birthday by donating books and resources to a local elementary school.

What caused Brandon Clarke's death?

The cause of Brandon Clarke's death has not been disclosed in the announcement from his sports agency.

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dies at age of 29: ‘He was the gentlest soul’

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

Related Articles

Lakers want LeBron James to return for another season alongside Luka Doncic, GM Rob Pelinka says

Nantes’ Tylel Tati named Golden Kid 2026 as several PSG players awarded at the next-generation of French football talent ceremony

Liverpool in talks for €100m forward deal

Is Lamine Yamal vs. Jude Bellingham soccer's new must-watch rivalry?

Clemson vs. LSU gets College GameDay Week 1, social media erupts

Ranking the 3 most realistic long-shot destinations for LeBron James in 2026 free agency

More from Sports