New details have emerged about the death of Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke, with investigators reportedly finding syringes, prescription medications, Narcan and an unidentified white powder inside his California home.
Clarke, 29, was found dead inside his San Fernando Valley residence on May 11.
According to a Los Angeles County Medical Examiner death report obtained by the California Post, investigators documented a number of drug-related and medical items inside and around Clarke’s bedroom and attached bathroom.
The report said authorities found “vape devices, cannabis products, prescription medications, injectable peptides, syringes, a box of Narcan, blister packets of medications, vitamins and other medical evidence.”
Investigators also reported finding a plate containing an “unknown white powdery substance” along with a hotel key card on the kitchen island.
The medical examiner ultimately determined that Clarke died from the effects of heroin and cocaine.
The combined effects of several prescription medications were also listed as contributing factors.
His death was ruled an accident.
According to the report, Clarke’s roommate told investigators that the NBA player had a history of drug use and had previously spent time in a rehabilitation program.
Clarke’s death came only weeks after he was arrested in Arkansas during a traffic stop.
Authorities said officers found 235.6 grams of kratom inside his vehicle. Kratom is a plant-derived substance sometimes referred to by the controversial nickname “gas-station heroin.”
Clarke reportedly told officers at the time that he believed the substance was legal.
That case was still pending when he died.
Clarke began his NBA career in 2019 after being selected in the first round of the draft by the Memphis Grizzlies.
He spent seven seasons with Memphis and started 50 games during his career.
At the time of his death, Clarke was in the middle of a four-year, $52 million contract with the franchise.
The Grizzlies released an emotional statement following his death.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” the team said.
“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 team also extended condolences to Clarke’s family and loved ones.
His fiancée, Amber Lorraine, shared her own heartbreaking tribute in the days after his death, calling Clarke “the most special person, with the biggest heart.”
“There are no words to describe this feeling,” she wrote.
“The day you proposed was the happiest day of my life. We were supposed to be married soon and eventually start a family.”
Clarke was just 29 years old when he died.
The newly released medical examiner’s report now offers a fuller picture of the scene investigators encountered inside his home and the substances authorities believe contributed to his accidental death.