Brandon Clarke Found Dead in Los Angeles County, Cause Deferred

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke was found dead inside a home in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles County on Monday, authorities said. First responders pronounced the 29-year-old athlete dead at the scene after responding to a medical emergency call shortly after 5 p.m. local time.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has performed an autopsy, but the cause of death has been deferred pending further testing, with officials stating a final determination could take weeks. A person familiar with the investigation told The Associated Press that drug paraphernalia was found at the residence, and his death is being investigated as a possible overdose.

Clarke’s fiancée, Amber Lorraine, shared an emotional tribute on social media over the weekend, calling him her soulmate. She wrote that the day he proposed was the happiest day of her life and that the couple had been planning to marry soon, start a family, and live on land with animals and a garden. She described him as the most special person with the biggest heart and shared intimate memories of their life together.

The Memphis Grizzlies and the NBA confirmed Clarke’s death last week. The Grizzlies released a...