Brandon Clarke Was Spotted In Good Spirits Days Before His Death

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated May 12, 2026 4:14 PM ET

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died at age 29.

Clarke's agency, Priority Sports, announced the devastating news on Tuesday. A cause of death has yet to be determined.

Following Clarke's death, TMZ claimed to speak to Clarke's barber. He was allegedly staying in Los Angeles with a college friend before his passing.

TMZ said the barber told them Clarke "seemed perfectly content" while getting a haircut on Friday. He supposedly watched a playoff game between the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves during the appointment.

NBA world reacts to Clarke's passing

Oct 7, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) warms up before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Memphis Grizzlies at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Grizzlies released a statement on social media mourning the loss of Clarke, who averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game during seven seasons with the team.

"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke," the Grizzlies said. "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."

The NBA also shared a statement from Commissioner Adam Silver.

"We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke," Silver said. "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."

Danny Green briefly played with Clarke during the 2022-23 season. The former guard remembered his former teammate on ESPN's NBA Today.

"He was a high-energy guy," Green said. "He always brought it, the positivity, the vibes. He did his own music. He was artistic, he was into fashion ... He was such a great kid and had a lot of energy. He will be dearly missed, and he was very much loved in that community."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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