Former Kentucky guard Terrence Clarke died on Thursday after a car accident following a workout in the Los Angeles area, the university confirmed in a statement.
Los Angeles Police Department Sergeant John Matassa told Ramona Shelburne of ESPN that Clarke was traveling at a high rate of speed through a red light when he collided with another vehicle attempting to make a left turn. Clarke struck the vehicle and then hit a light pole and block wall.
Clarke, 19, was pronounced dead at Northridge Hospital as a result of the collision. His mother was at his side when he died.
“I am absolutely gutted and sick tonight,” Kentucky head coach John Calipari said. “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.
“Terrence’s teammates and brothers loved him and are absolutely devastated. They know we are here for them for whatever they need.
“I am on my way to Los Angeles to be with his mother and his brother to help wherever I can. 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.”
We are devastated to learn of our own Terrence Clarke's tragic passing. Our hearts are heavy for Terrence, his family and all of us who loved him.https://t.co/u81DDOszPa
— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) April 23, 2021
Clarke attended a workout in the Los Angeles area on Thursday afternoon in preparation for the NBA draft.
He announced last month that he would enter the draft and it was just announced on Wednesday that he had signed with the Klutch Sports Group.
“We are saddened and devastated by the tragic loss of Terrence Clarke,” Klutch Sports Group CEO Rich Paul told ESPN in a statement. “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.”
Clarke, who was a former five-star recruit, played just eight games at Kentucky after an ankle injury cut his season short. He averaged 9.6 points per game and was projected to be a second-round pick.
He is survived by his parents, Osmine Clarke and Adrian Briggs, and his three siblings, Tatyana Gray, Gavin Clarke and Madison Adrianne.