Late NBA star Brandon Clarke’s death certificate sheds new light on his death at age 29.
A death certificate obtained by Us on Tuesday, August 25, reveals the athlete was cremated on May 21 and his remains are with his mother at her California home. The certificate lists Clarke’s occupation as “National Basketball Player.”
An amended copy was filed after the investigation into Clarke’s death was completed.
Clarke was found unresponsive by first responders from the Los Angeles Fire Department at a San Fernando Valley residence shortly after 5 p.m. local time on May 11. He was eventually pronounced dead at the scene.
The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner determined that Clarke’s death was accidental, clarifying that the Memphis Grizzlies power forward succumbed to “the effects of heroin and cocaine.”
A toxicology report from the Medical Examiner’s Office, obtained by Us on Monday, August 24, stated that the “combined effects of multiple prescription medications” were among “other significant conditions” that led to Clarke’s death.
Heroin, cocaine, morphine and “multiple prescription medications” were all found in Clarke’s system at the time of his death, per the L.A. Medical Examiner’s Office. (The prescription drugs were listed as oxycodone, metabolite, oxymorphone, O-desmethylvenlafaxine, norchlorcyclizine, alprazolam, mitragynine, pregabalin, meprobamate and carisoprodol.)
The report indicated that authorities found vape pens, cannabis products, prescription meds, syringes, a box of Narcan and additional drug paraphernalia in Clarke’s bedroom and bathroom at the time of his death, along with a plate of an unknown white substance and a hotel key card in the kitchen.
Clarke’s roommate — who was not named — told authorities that the late basketball star made multiple attempts at rehabilitation amid his long-term addiction issues. This roommate found him unresponsive and called 911 after receiving word from the Grizzlies player’s agent that they couldn’t make contact with Clarke.
Weeks before his death, Clarke was charged with speeding and possession of a controlled substance after he led police on a high-speed chase in Arkansas in April.
The NBA community reacted with shock and grief when news of Clarke’s shocking death broke in May.
“Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten,” the Grizzlies said in a statement in May. “We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Clarke played all seven of his NBA seasons with the Grizzlies before he was sidelined for all but two games during the 2025–26 season due to injuries.
His sister, Taylor Triplett, spoke out two days after the athlete’s death to share photos from their childhood. She also thanked Clarke’s fans and friends for their outpouring of support.
“Thank you so much for the outpouring of love and support,” Triplett wrote via her Instagram Story on May 13. “It means everything to our family. If you reached out please know I appreciate it so much but I am just having a hard time finding the words to even talk about this yet and it might be a while before I’m ready.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
