Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died at the age of 29, his sports agency has confirmed.
“We are beyond devastated by the passing of Brandon Clarke,” Priority Sports said. “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. Our hearts are so broken as we think about his mom, Whitney, his entire family and all of his friends. From high school to San Jose State to Gonzaga to the Grizzlies, Brandon impacted everyone who was part of his life.”
Clarke had a standout college career with San Jose State and Gonzaga before he was picked by the Grizzles with the 21st overall selection of the 2019 draft. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie team in his first season in Memphis. He signed a four-year extension with the Grizzlies in 2022 but missed most of the past season after undergoing knee surgery.
Clarke was born in Vancouver before his family moved to the United States when he was a child. He was active in the Memphis community and celebrated his 29th birthday by donating books and resources to a local elementary school.
“Every time I talk to kids, I try to get that in their minds that school is important, teachers are important and grades matter,” Clarke told the Memphis Commercial Appeal. “I couldn’t have made it here without locking in on reading, writing and all of that stuff.”
