According to the Kentucky sports department, Terrence Clarke, a basketball player who played his freshman season for the University of Kentucky and last month declared for the 2021 NBA draft, passed away on Thursday following serious injuries he sustained in a vehicle accident in Los Angeles. His age was nineteen.
A statement from the Los Angeles Police Department stated that the collision happened Thursday afternoon when Clarke’s car struck another that was turning left. When the LA Fire Department arrived on the scene, Clarke was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later passed away from his wounds.
According to a Kentucky news release, head coach of the men’s basketball team of Kentucky, John Calipari, stated, “I am absolutely gutted and sick tonight.” “We have all lost a young person we love much too soon, one who had so many aspirations and goals ahead of him. Terrence Clarke was a charming young man whose excitement, grin, and presence commanded the room. People were drawn to him, so hearing that he is no longer with us is difficult for all of us to process at this time. We’re all stunned.
“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.”
Clarke, who was born in Boston, was limited to eight games – seven in non-conference play and one in the Southeastern Conference tournament – in the 2020-2021 college basketball season due to a right leg injury. A guard, Clarke started six games and averaged 9.6 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game.
“I had high expectations coming into this season and, of course, didn’t expect to be injured, which I understand is part of the game,” Clarke said in a Kentucky press release March 19 when it was announced he was forgoing the remainder of his college eligibility. “Thank you to Coach Cal, the coaching staff and my teammates! BBN (Big Blue Nation), I hope to make you all proud as I pursue my dreams.”
It had been announced Wednesday that Clarke was signing with the 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.”
On Thursday, a post-game press conference for Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens was cut short.
“To be honest, as I was walking down the hallway, I just heard this news about Terrence Clarke,” Stevens told reporters. “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, Osmine Clarke and Adrian Briggs, and his three siblings: Tatyana Gray, Gavin Clarke and Madison Adrianne.
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