Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died at the age of 29, the team announced Tuesday.
The team didn’t immediately provide details about the circumstances surrounding Clarke’s death.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” the team said in a statement posted to social media. “Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten. We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Clarke last played for the Grizzlies in December. He had been out with a calf injury, according to his profile on the NBA website. The Grizzlies said in March that he would miss the rest of the season as his rehab continued.
In April, Clarke was arrested on drug charges in Arkansas after he was chased by authorities, CBS affiliate WREG-TV reported. He was released on bond.
Brandon Dill / AP
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed condolences on the news of Clarke’s death.
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke,” Silver said in a statement. “As one of the longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved teammate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon’s family, friends and the Grizzlies organization.”
The agency that represented Clarke, Priority Sports, said they were “beyond devastated” by his death.
“He was so loved by all of us here, and everyone whose life he touched,” the agency said in a statement on social media. “He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family.”
Clarke was a first round pick out of Gonzaga in 2019. The forward averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds over his seven-year NBA career.
