How did Brandon Clarke die?

Authorities are investigating Brandon Clarke’s death as a possible overdose after drug paraphernalia was found in the Los Angeles home where he was staying.

The Memphis Grizzlies forward died at age 29, a month after he was arrested in Arkansas on charges including possession and trafficking of a controlled substance, as well as improper passing and fleeing in a vehicle while speeding.

The New York Post reported that Clarke was arrested for possession of kratom, a herbal extract made from the leaves of the Southeast Asian tree Mitragyna speciosa. 

Users chew the leaves, brew them into tea, or take it in powder, capsule, or extract form.

However, some observers say pure kratom overdoses are rare. Most kratom-related deaths involve polysubstance use, mixing with opioids like fentanyl, alcohol, and others.

While no cause of death has been announced and no information is available on what drug was found in his home, some drug-related deaths are caused by laced cocaine.

Laced cocaine refers to cocaine mixed with other substances without the user’s knowledge. Dealers do this to increase volume and profits, enhance or alter the drug’s effects, or make a weaker product seem stronger.

Many users seeking a cocaine high unknowingly ingest fentanyl, contributing to a sharp rise in stimulant-related overdose deaths.

Users cannot tell by sight, taste, or smell if cocaine is laced, especially with fentanyl. The stimulant effects of cocaine can mask early signs of opioid overdose, like slowed breathing, delaying intervention.

Combining a stimulant like cocaine with a depressant like fentanyl stresses the heart and respiratory system in conflicting ways.

Fentanyl test strips are widely available and can detect fentanyl in a small sample of the drug before use.