The Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office announced earlier this month that late Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died due to an accidental overdose of heroin and cocaine. On Monday, the medical examiner released Clarke’s full autopsy report, per Melody Gutierrez of The Athletic.
Clarke’s roommate told authorities after he passed away that the seven-year NBA veteran had a “history of drug use with prior stints at a rehabilitation program.” The roommate was urged by Clarke’s agent to check on Clarke and discovered the Canadian power forward unresponsive in his bedroom.
As Gutierrez writes, the medical examiner initially said the “combined effects of multiple prescription medications” were a contributing factor in Clarke’s death. The full report revealed that oxycodone, anti-anxiety medication and muscle relaxers were present “within therapeutic levels.” Mitragynine, a substance derived from kratom, was also found during toxicology testing.
According to Gutierrez, the medical examiner wrote that “vape devices, cannabis products, injectable peptides, syringes and a box of Narcan,” were found in Clarke’s bedroom and attached bathroom. There was also a “plate with a white powdery substance” in the home’s kitchen island, Gutierrez adds.
Clarke was one of the top reserves in the league when healthy but battled significant injury absences in recent seasons. The former San Jose State and Gonzaga standout averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds in 20.8 minutes per game across 309 regular season appearances with Memphis, his only NBA team.
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