Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dies at 29: He was the gentlest soul'

"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."

"Clarke had a standout college career with San Jose State and Gonzaga before he was picked by the Oklahoma City Thunder 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."

"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."

"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. He was active in the Memphis community and celebrated his 29th birthday by donating books and resources to a local elementary school."

Brandon Clarke, a Memphis Grizzlies forward, died at age 29. His sports agency confirmed the death without announcing a cause. Clarke was described as gentle, loved, and deeply supportive of friends and family. His path included high school in the United States, standout college careers at San Jose State and Gonzaga, and selection by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 21st overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft. He earned NBA All-Rookie honors in his first Memphis season and later signed a four-year extension in 2022, missing most of the previous season after knee surgery. He was active in Memphis community efforts, including donating books and resources to an elementary school for his 29th birthday.

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