University of Kentucky basketball player Terrence Clarke died in car crash in LA, report says
- University of Kentucky basketball player Terrence Clarke died in a car crash in LA on Thursday.
- Clarke, 19, was driving after reportedly working out with Brandon "BJ" Boston Jr.
- The accident happened shortly after 2 p.m. local time.
University of Kentucky basketball player Terrence Clarke died in a car crash in Los Angeles, WKYT reported Thursday.
Clarke, 19, was driving after reportedly working out with fellow 2021 NBA draft prospect Brandon "BJ" Boston Jr. The accident happened shortly after 2 p.m. local time on Winnetka Avenue, the news outlet reported.
The Los Angeles Police Department told WKYT that Clarke was traveling at a high speed when he ran a red light and hit another car that was turning left. The car went on to hit a pole and a block wall. Police told the outlet that Clarke was the only one in the car.
The LAPD and Los Angeles Fire Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Tributes to the young talent were shared on Twitter. The University of Kentucky men's basketball account said in a tweet: "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."
Clarke, who was born in Boston, was a freshman at University of Kentucky. He played eight games during the 2020-2021 season due to an ankle injury, averaging 9.6 points per game, ESPN reported. The 6-foot-7 guard announced last month he intended to go pro and enter the NBA draft.
The day before the car accident, Klutch Sports Group announced Clarke had signed with the sports agency.
"We are saddened and devastated by the tragic loss of Terrence Clarke," Klutch Sports 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."
According to ESPN, Clarke was listed No. 72 out of 100 top prospects for the 2021 NBA draft.