yahoo - 5/21/2026 2:52:25 AM - GMT (+2 )
Brandon Clarke's fiancée made her first public statements since the NBA player's passing.
Amber Suchomel, who goes by Amber Hana Lorraine on social media, published an Instagram post on Sunday, May 17 expressing her grief at losing Clarke, according to multiple outlets. Suchomel has since made her Instagram profile private.
"There are no words to describe this feeling,” Suchomel said, as People reported. “I never thought I’d have to live life without you. I’m not really sure how to do this without you by my side. You were the most special person, with the biggest heart. You made an impact on so many people, but most of all me. I have never felt so loved and cared for, you made me feel like the most special girl in the world.”
Suchomel went on to praise the Memphis Grizzlies forward, who died on May 11, for being "so impressive" in "everything you were passionate about," including his seven-year basketball career and his venture as a music artist.
The Sun adds that Suchomel posted an Instagram gallery of several photos of her and Clarke, including when he proposed to her and a note of when he asked her to be his girlfriend.
“All I want is to hug you and kiss you and to hold you in my arms. I don’t know how to process that you aren’t here anymore. I love you always Brandon, forever and always," she continued. "Please keep watching over me, I need you.”
When the news of Clarke's death broke, tributes poured in from across the NBA, including from commissioner Adam Silver and Clarke's Grizzlies teammate Ja Morant, who said the 29-year-old was "gone way too soon."
Clarke's death is still an open case, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office.NBC 4 Los Angeles reported that responders found drug paraphernalia at the home where he was found dead and his death is being investigated as a possible overdose.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Brandon Clarke's fiancée makes public statement after NBA player's death
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