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Brandon Clarke family: 5 things to know after Memphis Grizzlies forward's shocking death at 29
Brandon Clarke, a forward for the Memphis Grizzlies, has passed away at the age of 29, according to his sports agency. The
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has passed away at the age of 29, as confirmed by his sports agency. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
In a statement, Priority Sports extended their condolences to Clarke family, with special mention of his mother Whitney, saying: “Our hearts are so broken as we think about his mom.”
Brandon Clarke family: Condolences pour in
“We are beyond devastated by the passing of Brandon Clarke,” Priority Sports stated. “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.”
Grizzlies remembered Clarke as “outstanding teammate and an even better person.”
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” the Grizzlies said in a statement. “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 following a devastating news of Brandon Clarke's passing. “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.”
Brandon Clarke: 5 things to know about Grizzlies forward after his death
- Clarke had an exceptional college career at San Jose State and Gonzaga prior to being selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder as the 21st overall pick in the 2019 draft.
- In his inaugural season with Memphis, he earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie team. In 2022, he signed a four-year contract extension with the Grizzlies, but he missed a significant portion of the previous season due to knee surgery.
- Born in Vancouver, Clarke's family relocated to the United States during his childhood.
- He has been actively involved in the Memphis community and marked his 29th birthday by donating books and educational 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.”
