Almost three months after the death of the Memphis Grizzlies player, US authorities released the official conclusions about the case. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Department reported this Friday that Brandon Clarke died as a result of the effects of heroin and cocaine and determined that the death was accidental.

The 29-year-old power forward was found unconscious on May 11 in a home near Los Angeles. Paramedics responded to the scene and confirmed the death at the residence.

The investigation included an autopsy performed the next day. The agency noted that the full coroner's report will be published at a later date.

The official revelation comes after Memphis announced the player's death in May. A person familiar with the investigation then told the AP that drug paraphernalia had been found in the home, although that information had not been publicly released until now.

Clarke had a current contract with the Grizzlies through the 2026-27 season.

Career in Memphis and recent history

The player, with American and Canadian nationality, developed his entire professional career in Memphis. He came to the NBA in 2019 after being selected 21st in the draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder, a franchise that traded him to the Grizzlies shortly after.

During seven seasons he played 309 games and recorded averages of 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.

Before making the jump to the NBA, Clarke concluded his college years at Gonzaga.

The end of his career coincided with a difficult period off the court. About six weeks before his death, he was arrested in Arkansas and faced charges of speeding, reckless driving and possession of a controlled substance, according to court records cited by US media.

A final season marked by injuries

The player's last campaign was also conditioned by physical problems. In December, he suffered a Grade 2 right calf strain during the first quarter of a Memphis game against the Washington Wizards, an injury that ended his season early.

That prolonged absence was one of the last sporting episodes of a player who remained in the Grizzlies organization from his arrival in 2019 until his death.

The official confirmation of the cause of death closes one of the main unknowns surrounding the case, while authorities continue the administrative process to publish the complete forensic report.

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