Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died at the age of 29, his sports agency has confirmed. A cause of death was not announced.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are beyond devastated by the passing of Brandon Clarke,\u201d Priority Sports said. \u201cHe was so loved by all of us here, and everyone whose life he touched. He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family. Our hearts are so broken as we think about his mom, Whitney, his entire family and all of his friends. From high school to San Jose State to Gonzaga to the Grizzlies, Brandon impacted everyone who was part of his life.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to NBC<\/a>, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a medical emergency shortly after 5pm local time at a home in the San Fernando Valley. Clarke was pronounced dead on the scene by paramedics. Police believe Clarke may have died of an overdose and do not suspect foul play.<\/p>\n Clarke had a standout college career with San Jose State and Gonzaga before he was picked by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 21st overall selection of the 2019 draft. He was named to the NBA<\/a> All-Rookie team in his first season in Memphis. He signed a four-year extension with the Grizzlies in 2022 but missed most of the past season after undergoing knee surgery. He also suffered a torn achilles in March 2023 that forced him to miss most of the next season.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,\u201d the Grizzlies said in a statement. \u201cBrandon 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Clarke was born in Vancouver before his family moved to the United States when he was a child. He was active in the Memphis community and celebrated his 29th birthday by donating books and resources to a local elementary school.<\/p>\n