Memphis Grizzlies player Brandon Clarke was arrested in Arkansas six weeks before his mysterious death in May, with police bodycam footage showing officers discovering multiple large bags of kratom in his Corvette after a high-speed chase exceeding 100 miles per hour. The 29-year-old NBA player now faces a deferred death investigation as Los Angeles medical examiners work to determine if the controversial substance played a role in his passing.

High-Speed Arrest Reveals Massive Kratom Stash

Cross County sheriff deputies pulled Clarke over after he initially fled from police at speeds well over 100 miles per hour. During the traffic stop, officers handcuffed Clarke and searched his vehicle, uncovering several large bags filled with clear capsules containing green powder. The bags were labeled as pure Mitragyna Speciosa, marketed under names like The Juice, Gold Rhino, Pure Green, and Euflooria. When questioned in the back of the patrol car, Clarke told officers the substance was just kratom.

Arkansas classifies kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance, making possession illegal despite its legal status in neighboring Tennessee where Clarke played. Police also discovered a THC vape pen with marijuana residue in the vehicle. Clarke faced two felony charges for trafficking a controlled substance and fleeing in a vehicle, along with three additional misdemeanor charges.

Injury-Plagued Career And Substance Use

Clarke spent the final three years of his career battling multiple serious injuries. He tore his Achilles tendon in 2023 and underwent two separate knee procedures in 2025. Earlier this year, a strained right calf sidelined him, with the team declaring him out for the remainder of the season. While kratom has been used for centuries as a pain management tool, federal health authorities warn of serious risks in its modern manufactured forms.

The Drug Enforcement Administration reports kratom produces stimulant effects at low doses and sedative effects at high doses, potentially leading to psychotic symptoms and both psychological and physiological dependence. The Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings about serious adverse events including liver toxicity and seizures, with rare deaths occurring when kratom combines with other substances.

Death Investigation Remains Open

Clarke died in Los Angeles on May 11, approximately six weeks after his Arkansas arrest. The County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner has classified the case as deferred, meaning a deputy medical examiner completed an initial examination but requested additional testing and studies before determining cause of death. The medical examiner’s office declined to disclose specific tests requested, noting deferred cases typically require several months before reaching conclusions. The ongoing investigation will determine whether kratom contributed to Clarke’s death at age 29.