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What to know about the investigation into Memphis forward Brandon Clarke's death
TL;DR
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke was found dead near Los Angeles, with drug paraphernalia discovered at the scene. The cause of death is pending toxicology results and could take weeks to determine.
Key points
- Brandon Clarke was found dead near Los Angeles.
- Drug paraphernalia was found at the scene.
- The cause of death is pending toxicology results.
- Clarke was under contract with the Grizzlies through 2026-27.
- Fans are mourning and paying respects at the team's arena.
Mentioned in this story
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kratomBrandon ClarkeMemphis Grizzlies
What comes next
At some point, the County of Los Angeles' Medical Examiner's Office will update Clarke's cause of death. But that could take weeks, pending the return of toxicology and any other tests that were ordered. For now, the coroner's office says the case remains open and the cause of death is listed as “deferred.” The coroner's work has been completed. It's simply a matter of the tests coming back. There are other elements of the investigation into Clarke's death, such as who made the 911 call and what other factors could have played a role.
The team's next move
A number of fans have visited the outside of the team's arena in Memphis, placing flowers and other mementos to share their grief over Clarke's death. The Grizzlies have banners of their players attached to poles in the plaza outside FedEx Forum, and fans — on their own — have visited to pay respects. The team has not yet determined if or when there will be a public memorial or anything similar to celebrate Clarke's seven years with the franchise. It's also unclear when Clarke's family will hold funeral services. Clarke was under contract to be with the Grizzlies through the 2026-27 season.
What we know about Clarke's recent arrest
Clarke was arrested April 1 in Arkansas for speeding and possession of a controlled substance that was reportedly kratom, an promoted as an alternative pain remedy that becomes illegal in Tennessee as of July 1. He was released on bond a day later. It likely won't be clear until the coroner's office issues its report if kratom was in Clarke's system when he died. Health officials have been warning about the risks of an opioid-related chemical known as and a component of . The plant native to Southeast Asia has gained popularity in the U.S. as an for pain, anxiety and drug dependence. A federal report in 2019 found overdose deaths involving kratom were more common than previously reported. Most who died had also taken heroin, fentanyl or others, though officials counted a few instances in which kratom was the only substance listed.
Q&A
What were the circumstances surrounding Brandon Clarke's death?
Brandon Clarke was found dead in a home near Los Angeles, and drug paraphernalia was discovered at the scene.
When will the cause of Brandon Clarke's death be determined?
The cause of death is pending toxicology results from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office and could take weeks to finalize.
What was Brandon Clarke's recent legal situation before his death?
Clarke was arrested in April for speeding and possession of kratom, an herbal supplement, but was released on bond the following day.
How is the Memphis Grizzlies organization responding to Clarke's death?
The Grizzlies have expressed their condolences through a tribute video and fans have been visiting the arena to pay their respects, although no public memorial has been announced yet.
