Kentucky Wildcats Star Terrence Clarke Killed In Northridge Crash

NORTHRIDGE-CHATSWORTH, CA — Terrence Clarke, a freshman guard for the Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team this past season, died in a Northridge car crash Thursday, police have confirmed.

Clarke was 19 years old.

Los Angeles Police Department Sgt. John Matassa told ESPN that Clarke was driving at a “very high rate of speed” south on Winnetka Avenue before he approached a red light on Nordhoff Street at around 2:10 p.m. Thursday. Clarke reportedly drove through the red light and collided with another car trying to make a left turn at the intersection. Clarke hit the vehicle, hit a street light pole, and then hit a block wall, Matassa said. He was reportedly not wearing his seatbelt.

Clarke was transported to Northridge Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Clarke was a guard on the Kentucky Wildcats and participated in the men’s Champions Classic college basketball games. He had just completed his freshman season at the University of Kentucky, and was preparing for the 2021 NBA draft, according to University of Kentucky head coach John Calipari.

“I am absolutely gutted and sick tonight,” John Calipari said. “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...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.”

Calipari said that he is traveling to Los Angeles to be with Clarke’s mother and brother.

Clarke, a Boston native, announced last month that he was entering this year’s NBA draft, and had signed with the Klutch Sports agency. He was considered one of the brightest talents from Boston in years.

“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.”

“Condolences to Terrence Clarke’s family. He had a bright future ahead but had already made a huge impact off the court in the City of Boston,” tweeted the Boston Celtics, where Clarke was considered a top pick.

Condolences to Terrence Clarke’s family. He had a bright future ahead but had already made a huge impact off the court in the City of Boston.

RIP TC pic.twitter.com/xsfL1KZg7n
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 23, 2021

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.https://t.co/u81DDOszPa
— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) April 23, 2021