Police who responded to the death of former NBA forward Brandon Clarke found an array of drugs and medications inside his home, including an unidentified white powder, according to newly reported details of the investigation.
TMZ and the California Post reported that investigators discovered vape devices, cannabis products, prescription medications, injectable peptides, syringes, a box of Narcan, blister packets of medication, vitamins and other medical evidence in Clarke's bedroom and bathroom. A plate holding an unknown white powdery substance and a hotel key card was also found on the kitchen island.
Clarke, 29, was found unresponsive in a home in the San Fernando Valley on May 11. The Los Angeles County medical examiner later ruled that he died of an accidental overdose from the effects of heroin and cocaine.
"The cause of death is attributed to effects of heroin and cocaine," the death investigation summary read, according to the California Post. "Combined effects of multiple prescription medications are listed as contributory. The manner of death is classified as accident."
Career and recent arrest
Clarke, a Vancouver native, starred at Gonzaga University before joining the Memphis Grizzlies in 2019, where he spent his entire NBA career. He had reportedly been on a downward trend before his death, including an arrest in Arkansas for allegedly passing multiple vehicles at speeds over 100mph in a no-passing zone.
Footage of that arrest surfaced earlier this year, showing officers finding kratom, sometimes called "gas station heroin," in Clarke's vehicle. Kratom is illegal in Arkansas, though Clarke is heard on the police footage insisting the drug is legal.
"It's just kratom, it is legal," he told the officer in the clip. Officers are also seen inspecting other substances packaged under names such as "gold rhino."
Housemate found him unresponsive
Six weeks after that footage was recorded, Clarke was found dead in the San Fernando Valley. According to TMZ, Clarke's housemate went into his bedroom and found him unresponsive in his bed. After calling 911, investigators reportedly found bloody residue on his bedsheets and pillows.
The housemate told police that Clarke had a history of drug use and had previously spent time in rehab.
Clarke died just four months before what would have been his 30th birthday on September 19. "We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke," the Grizzlies said at the time of his death. "Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten."
