Approximately 75,000 people die from overdose (drug use) each year. Now you’d think professional athletes would be safe from this or at least know better, but a handful of players each year overdose on drugs, and a few cases are fatal. Brandon Clarke is a Canadian-American basketball power forward who unfortunately died at the young age of 29. Brandon Clarke was an outstanding athlete ever since college. He attended Gonzaga University in Spokane Washington, where he averaged 14.5 points per game with 7.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists. The Oklahoma City Thunder selected him in the 2019 NBA draft as the 21st pick, although his draft rights were quickly traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. He later signed a multi-year contract with them and played 7 seasons before he passed away. Over his career with the Grizzlies, he averaged 10.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in an average of 21.3 minutes played a game. He shot 60.3% from the field and 28.6% from the three point line. Brandon Clarke was a very reliable player for Memphis.

While not yet officially confirmed, Brandon Clarke’s death was most likely due to overdose, because of evidence of narcotics and drug paraphernalia at his location during his death. Tributes were quickly sent out following the news of his death. Fellow teammate, Ja Morant, said that Brandon Clarke was “gone way too soon.” Former Gonzaga teammate, currently with the hawks, guard Corey Kispert said, “RIP. You’ll be missed BC.” Another former Gonzaga and Grizzlies teammate, Killian Tillie, responded with, “Rest in peace BC. You will be missed brother I love you… One of the greatest Zags and Grizzlies, it was an honor to share the court with you.” 

Cites – https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/grizzlies/2026/05/17/brandon-clarke-cause-of-death-grizzlies-forward/90135109007/

https://www.gonzaga.edu/about/our-campus-location

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/brandon-clarke-1.html

https://www.nba.com/player/1629634/brandon-clarke/bio

https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/gonzaga-bulldogs/former-gonzaga-teammates-react-to-brandon-clarkes-death/