
The 2026 NBA Playoffs were rocked by the sudden passing of Memphis Grizzlies backup big man Brandon Clarke. The 29-year-old Canadian-American died on May 11, 2026. While his death’s investigation is still ongoing, Clarke’s fiancée, Amber Lorraine, isn’t taking the news too well.
Deaths amongst active NBA players are rare. The last incident happened in 2005, when former Atlanta Hawks big man Jason Collier died before the season started due to sudden heart failure. That’s why Clarke’s sudden demise was surprising. Even his former Grizzlies teammate, Jaren Jackson Jr., couldn’t believe the news. And now, Brandon Clarke’s fiancée, Amber Lorraine, has finally opened up about what she truly felt in a lengthy post online.
“We were supposed to be married soon and eventually start a family and live on land with a bunch of animals and a garden. All I want is to hug you and kiss you and to hold you in my arms. I don’t know how to process that you aren’t here anymore,” Amber Lorraine wrote on Instagram.
Brandon Clarke’s fiancée, Amber Lorraine, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram following his tragic passing at age 29.
— NBA Base (@TheNBABase) May 18, 2026
“We were supposed to be married soon and eventually start a family and live on land with a bunch of animals and a garden. All I want is to hug you and kiss… pic.twitter.com/4mbnljAfrm
“I love you always, Brandon, forever and always. Please keep watching over me, I need you,” she added.
That’s a very sad piece coming from Lorraine. We hope she can get all the help and support she needs during this very difficult time. And the same thing for Clarke’s family, too.
Since he entered the league in 2019, Clarke has stayed trouble-free for the Memphis Grizzlies. Despite being undersized at the center position, he was selected to be a part of the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2020. At 6-foot-8, he was a high motor guy who wasn’t afraid to get rough in the painted area.
However, the 2025-2026 NBA season was a difficult one for Clarke. He has missed most of the year, save for two games, due to a knee injury. Plus, he was arrested early in April due to speeding/reckless driving and was in possession of a controlled substance.
He was released after posting a $25000 bond and was scheduled to appear at an arraignment meeting a few days before his untimely demise. If there’s a telltale sign of trouble, that April incident involving Brandon Clarke was a huge red flag. Sadly, maybe plenty of people missed it.
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