Terrence Clarke, a freshman guard for the Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team this past season, passed away in a car accident in Los Angeles, California on April 22nd. Clarke was only 19 years old.
The day before the accident, Clarke had officially signed with sports agent Rich Paul and Klutch Sports. Prior to the incident, he was attending a basketball workout with former Kentucky Wildcat teammate, Brandon Boston. The two were preparing for the 2021 NBA Draft that they both declared for last month.
Following the workout, street surveillance footage caught Clarke driving very fast down a street before colliding with another driver. It has been reported by the Los Angeles Police Department that Clarke was the only occupant in his 2021 Hyundai Genesis, and was also not wearing his seat belt properly.
“The incident was captured on surveillance video,” says Los Angeles Police Department Sgt. John Matassa. “He collided with another vehicle that was preparing to make a left-hand turn. He struck the vehicle, hit a street light pole and ultimately hit a block wall.”
Clarke was then rushed to the Northridge Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Clarke’s mother was present at his side when he passed away.
This past season, Clarke averaged 9.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists for the Kentucky Wildcats after only playing in eight games due to injuries. He starred in seven non-conference games, and one during the Southeastern Conference tournament.
During a Kentucky press release, Clarke’s former head coach John Calipari made an official statement about the incident.“I am absolutely gutted and sick tonight. A young person who we all love has just lost his life too soon, one with all of his dreams and hopes ahead of him. Terrence Clarke was a beautiful kid, someone who owned the room with his personality, smile and joy. People gravitated to him, and to hear we have lost him is just hard for all of us to comprehend right now. We are all in shock.”
Calipari continued on and said “Terrence’s teammates and brothers love him and are absolutely devastated. They know we are here for them for whatever they need.” He then announced that he was on his way to Los Angeles to be with and help Clarke’s mother and brother. “This will be a difficult period for all those who know and love Terrence, and I would ask that everyone take a moment tonight to say a prayer for Terrence and his family. May he rest in peace.”
Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul addressed the incident as well and sent his condolences, stating, “We are saddened and devastated by the tragic loss of Terrence Clarke. Terrence was an incredible, hard-working young man. He was excited for what was ahead of him and ready to fulfill his dreams. Our prayers go out to Terrence and his family, who ask for privacy during this difficult time.”
Entering the season, Clarke was projected to be a lottery pick for this year’s NBA Draft. Due to his injuries, his stock dropped, but he was still a sure pick to NBA scouts, believing he had a bright future in the NBA. In high school, Clarke was a 6-foot-7 guard from Boston that could do it all. He was a five-star prospect for the class of 2020, and was ranked as the No. 8 player for his class.
This incident has shook the nation, with many fans and athletes now mourning the death of the young star. Many that knew Clarke personally have shared their memories with him on social media, while others have expressed their condolences.
Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens cut his post-game press conference on Thursday short after hearing the news. Stevens went on to tell reporters, “To be honest, as I was walking down the hallway, I just heard this news about Terrence Clarke. I’m not sure how much I want to talk about the game when you consider it, a Boston kid.”
Clarke is survived by his parents, Osimine Clarke and Adrian Briggs, and his three siblings, Tatyana Gray, Gavin Clarke, and Madison Adrianne.
