Kentucky Basketball Player and NBA Prospect, Terrence Clarke Dies at 19 following a car accident in LA

 

Kentucky basketball player and NBA prospect, Terrence Clarke, has died at the age of 19 after sustaining fatal injuries in a car accident in Los Angeles.

The accident occurred on Thursday afternoon, April 22,  as Clarke’s vehicle collided with another that was making a left-hand turn, according to a statement from the Los Angeles Police Department.

The LA Fire Department transported Clark to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.

His death comes a month after he declared for the 2021 NBA draft after playing his freshman season for the University of Kentucky

“I am absolutely gutted and sick tonight,” Kentucky men’s basketball head coach John Calipari said, according to a Kentucky press release. “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.”

A day before his tragic death it was announced that he was signing with agency Klutch Sports Group.

“We are saddened and devastated by the tragic loss of Terrence Clarke,” said Rich Paul, CEO and founder of Klutch Sports Group. “He 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 is survived by his parents, Osmine Clarke and Adrian Briggs, and his three siblings: Tatyana Gray, Gavin Clarke and Madison Adrianne.