The basketball world is mourning the tragic death of 19-year-old NBA prospect Terrence Clarke, who was killed in a car accident on Thursday.
The Kentucky freshman guard died on Thursday following the single-vehicle accident in Los Angeles.
Coach John Calipari said he was “absolutely gutted and sick tonight” and called the player “a beautiful kid, someone who owned the room with his personality, smile and joy.”
“We are all in shock,” Calipari said. “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.”
Los Angeles Police Department Sergeant John Matassa, who works in the Valley Traffic Division, told ESPN that Clarke was the solo occupant in a vehicle that ran a red light going “at a very high rate of speed” in the San Fernando Valley area at approximately 2:10pm.
Matassa said surveillance video showed that Clarke collided with another vehicle preparing to turn left, hit a street light pole and then a block wall.
Clarke was taken to Northridge Hospital Medical and later pronounced dead.
Matassa said the other driver, who was in a truck, did not claim any injuries. Clarke was driving a 2021 Hyundai Genesis and not wearing his seat belt properly, according to Matassa.
Basketball world in shock over Terrence Clarke’s death
The 6-foot-7 Clarke entered the NBA draft last month after playing in just eight games last season because of a right leg injury.
He averaged 9.6 points and 2.6 rebounds.
On Wednesday, Clarke and former Kentucky teammate Brandon Boston Jr signed with Klutch Sports Group.
