SAN FERNANDO VALLEY — Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died at the age of 29 following a medical emergency at a home in the San Fernando Valley. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded shortly after 5 p.m. local time, and paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.

No cause of death was announced. His death was confirmed by Priority Sports.

"We are beyond devastated by the passing of Brandon Clarke. He 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," Priority Sports said in a statement.

Clarke was born in Vancouver and moved to the United States with his family as a child. He played college basketball at San Jose State and Gonzaga before being selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 21st overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie team in his first season in Memphis and signed a four-year contract extension with the Grizzlies in 2022.

Over his NBA career, he averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. He suffered a torn Achilles tendon in March 2023 that forced him to miss most of the following season, and he missed most of the 2025–2026 season after undergoing knee surgery. He last played for the Grizzlies in December 2025. According to his profile on the NBA website, he was sidelined by a calf injury. In March 2026, the Grizzlies said he would miss the rest of the season as his rehab continued.

The Grizzlies responded to his death in a statement. "We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke. Brandon 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."

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also issued a statement. "We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke. As one of the longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved teammate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon's family, friends and the Grizzlies organization," Silver said.

Clarke also celebrated his 29th birthday by donating books and resources to a local elementary school in Memphis. "Every time I talk to kids, I try to get that in their minds that school is important, teachers are important and grades matter. I couldn't have made it here without locking in on reading, writing and all of that stuff," he said at the time.