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More details surrounding Brandon Clarke's death have emerged three months after the former Memphis Grizzlies player died at age 29, including information about his reported history of substance abuse.
According to a full autopsy report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner obtained by PEOPLE, Clarke had cocaine, heroin, oxycodone and several prescription medications in his system when he died. The report also noted the presence of mitragynine, a compound derived from kratom, with the substances reportedly detected within therapeutic levels.
A roommate discovered Clarke unresponsive in his bedroom at their home in California's San Fernando Valley on May 11. Authorities reportedly found various drug-related items around the room, including prescription medications, cannabis products and medication blister packs.
The scene also contained vape devices, injectable peptides, syringes and a box of Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. Investigators also found a plate containing an unknown white powdery substance and a hotel key card.
According to the autopsy report, Clarke's roommate told authorities that the basketball player had a history of drug abuse and had previously spent time in a rehabilitation program.
The roommate said he had last seen Clarke around midnight on May 11 while the athlete was spending time with another friend at the house.
Later that evening, around 7 p.m., Clarke's agent contacted the roommate after being unable to reach the NBA veteran and asked him to check on him.
The roommate initially believed Clarke could have been at basketball practice or sleeping. However, when he entered the bedroom, he found Clarke unresponsive and called 911. The Los Angeles City Fire Department subsequently responded to the home.
Clarke, a Vancouver, Canada, native, spent his entire NBA career with the Memphis Grizzlies after being selected in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft. He was known as a popular figure within the organization and the Memphis community.
Months before his death, Clarke was arrested in Arkansas following a speeding incident and a chase involving sheriff's deputies. According to an arrest affidavit, authorities found more than 230 grams of kratom in his possession. Kratom is not federally banned in the United States, although it is prohibited in some states, including Arkansas.
Following Clarke's death, the Grizzlies paid tribute to the player, highlighting his contributions both on and off the court. The team noted that Clarke frequently volunteered and donated money to causes in the Memphis community.
The organization described him as an outstanding teammate and a person whose impact on the team and the wider Memphis community would not be forgotten.
