In a heartbreaking turn of events, Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke passed away suddenly at just 29 years old, but new details have emerged revealing a troubling legal incident just weeks before his death.

Less than six weeks prior to his tragic passing, Clarke was arrested in Arkansas for allegedly possessing a significant amount of a controlled substance. According to a probable cause affidavit from the Cross County Sheriff's Office, authorities found 235.6 grams of Kratom in his vehicle during a traffic stop.

The arrest occurred after Clarke was pulled over in a Corvette for allegedly "passing several vehicles in a no-passing zone at well over 100 MPH." During the stop, officers discovered a blue duffel bag in the passenger seat containing the large stash of Kratom. Clarke reportedly admitted to possessing the substance but insisted "that stuff is legal."

However, in Arkansas, Kratom is banned. The Mayo Clinic notes that while users ingest Kratom for its stimulant and sedative effects, it "hasn't been shown to be safe or to treat any medical conditions." The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has classified it as "a drug of concern."

The affidavit detailed that officers found "several large bags of clear capsules" filled with a "green powdery" substance in Clarke's vehicle. The former Gonzaga standout was taken into custody and faced multiple charges, including felony trafficking a controlled substance, felony fleeing in a vehicle exceeding the speed limit, and misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance. He had been scheduled for a plea and arraignment hearing on Friday.

Clarke was found dead inside a Los Angeles home just after 5 p.m. on Monday, according to NBC4. Drug paraphernalia was discovered at the scene, and authorities are investigating the incident as a possible overdose. An official cause and manner of death are pending autopsy results.

The Grizzlies organization expressed their grief, stating, "We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke." As the basketball community mourns, this story serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of making informed choices, both on and off the court.