The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's full autopsy report on late Memphis Grizzlies veteran forward and former Phoenix Desert Vista standout Brandon Clarke was released Monday, Aug. 24. Clarke had cocaine, heroin, oxycodone, and multiple other medications "within therapeutic levels," per the report obtained by USA Today Sports. Clarke's roommate told officials that Clarke had a "history of drug use" and underwent multiple rehabilitation stints for drug addiction, according to the report's synopsis. Clarke died at his San Fernando Valley residence on May 11. He was 29 years old. The cause of death was an accidental overdose from the "effects of heroin and cocaine" in Clarke's system, which matched the medical examiner's initial statement about Clarke on Aug. 7. Los Angeles Fire Department officials listed in the incident's early reports that he was found unresponsive and declared dead at the scene.
Drug paraphernalia was found at Clarke's home, according to the synopsis report. That included “vape devices, cannabis products, prescription medications, injectable peptides, syringes, a box of Narcan, blister packets of medications, vitamins and other medical evidence.” Also, there was a plate with an “unknown white powdery substance and a hotel keycard” found in the kitchen. "No apparent signs of foul play or fatal injuries," according to investigation documents about Clarke's home. Just over a month before he passed away, Clarke was arrested in Cross County, Arkansas, on April 1 after a high-speed car chase to evade police, who found over 230 grams of kratom and a THC vape pen in his vehicle. Clarke was charged with trafficking a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing in a vehicle exceeding the speed limit, and improper passing. He was released on bond the next day. Mayo Clinic defines kratom as an herbal extract with addictive properties. Kratom is legal in Tennessee for anyone over age 21, but it's illegal in Arkansas and some other states. Clarke was a 2019 first-round pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder out of Gonzaga. He was traded to Memphis on draft night. Clarke's career averages were 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists. He shot 60.5% through seven seasons, all in Memphis. Clarke starred at Desert Vista before his graduation in 2015. He was sidelined for all but two games during the 2025-26 NBA season because of knee and calf injuries. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Ex-Desert Vista star Clarke's full autopsy release shows deeper detail