On Thursday, 19-year-old Terrence Clarke, a former Kentucky guard died following a brutal car crash.
Los Angeles Police Department Sgt. John Matassa, who works in the Valley Traffic Division, said that Clarke was traveling “at a very high rate of speed” in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles at approximately 2:10 p.m. PT. Clarke was the sole occupant of the car and sped down and hit another car, then a light pole and finally a blocked wall.
“The incident was captured on surveillance video. He collided with another vehicle that was preparing to make a left-hand turn. He struck the vehicle, hit a street light pole, and ultimately hit a block wall,” Matassa said. “He was transported to Northridge Hospital and was later pronounced deceased as a result of the collision.” The officer explained that the 19-year-old was not wearing his seatbelt properly.
“I am absolutely gutted and sick tonight,” Kentucky coach John Calipari said in a statement. “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,” Calipari continued. “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.”
Last month, Clarke had announced that he was declaring for the NBA Draft and signed with Klutch Sports. The agency released a statement following the tragic car accident. “We are saddened and devastated by the tragic loss of Terrence Clarke,” Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul said 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.”
“The NBA mourns the tragic passing of Terrence Clarke, a beloved member of the University of Kentucky basketball program.” the league wrote in a Twitter post. “Terrence was preparing to pursue his lifelong dream of playing in the NBA. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
Clarke only played in seven games with the Wildcats before an injury sidelined him until the season finale. The 19-year-old finished his lone college year averaging 9.6 points and was described as a lottery pick. Just last month, the guard wrote a social media post about playing for Kentucky.
“As an adolescent, having the privilege to put on the Kentucky uniform and play in front of the BBN was always a lifelong goal of mine,” Clarke wrote. “Although it was hindered due to things out of my own control, the experience is something I will keep with me forever.” The guard added, “I have grown a lot with this experience and I will never take it for granted.”
