LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke, 29, has died, the National Basketball Association team said in a statement on Tuesday.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” the Grizzlies said in a statement posted on social media.
“Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten.”
His management company, Priority Sports, said in a statement they were “beyond devastated” by Clarke’s death.
“He was the gentlest soul, who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family,” the agency said.
Neither statement provided information on a cause of death.
The NBC television affiliate in Los Angeles cited unnamed law enforcement sources in reporting Clarke was found dead on Monday in a home in the suburban San Fernando Valley, where paramedics responded to an emergency call.
The station reported that authorities were investigating Clarke’s death as a possible drug overdose.
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.
“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.”
Grizzlies star Ja Morant also paid tribute to his teammate with several posts on Instagram, including one photo of Clarke enveloping him in a hug on court.