Fansided

Kentucky basketball: John Calipari releases statement after tragic death of Terrence Clarke

By Scott Rogust

NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 11: Terrence Clarke #5 of the Kentucky Wildcats dribbles the ball at half court against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the first half of their second round game in the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 11, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 11: Terrence Clarke #5 of the Kentucky Wildcats dribbles the ball at half court against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the first half of their second round game in the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 11, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari released a statement on Thursday night regarding the death of guard Terrence Clarke.

On Thursday afternoon, former Kentucky Wildcats guard Terrence Clarke passed away in a car accident in Los Angeles at the age of 19. Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul confirmed the news to ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski.

Kentucky head coach John Calipari released a statement saying that he was “absolutely gutted and sick” after hearing about Clarke’s passing and asked for everyone to “say a prayer for Terrence Clarke and his family.”

You can read Calipari’s full statement in the tweet below:

Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari releases statement mourning the passing of Terrence Clarke

Kentucky Director of Athletics also Mitch Barnhart released a statement following Clarke’s passing.

“We are stunned by this sudden, heartbreaking tragedy,” said Barnhart, via the Kentucky athletics department’s official website. “Terrence was a young man who was so full of life and so full of promise. We hurt and grieve with his family, his friends, and his teammates and coaches, and our prayers are with all of them in this unimaginable loss.”

Clarke was a five-star recruit out of Brewster Academy (N.H.), where he ranked as the eighth-best prospect in the nation and as the best prospect out of Massachusetts, per 247Sports. Clarke played in just eight games his freshman year, as he dealt with an ankle injury during the season. Clarke averaged 9.6 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists while recording a 42.1 field goal percentage.

In March, Clarke declared for this year’s NBA Draft. Recently, Clarke had signed on with Klutch Sports, alongside teammate B.J. Boston.

We send our thoughts and prayers to Clarkes’ family, friends and teammates during this difficult time.

Next. NCAA basketball: Ranking every national champion this century. dark

For more NCAA basketball news, analysis, opinion and features, check out more from the FanSided college basketball section to stay on top of the latest action.