Scott Sterling had Type 1 diabetes, family says

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The Sterling family released a statement Wednesday saying that Scott Sterling had been fighting Type 1 Diabetes prior to his death, which they called ‘a terrible tragedy.’

Sterling, 32, was found dead on the couch in his Malibu apartment, officials said Wednesday.

Los Angeles County sheriff’s detectives said evidence in the apartment seemed to suggest he may have died of a drug overdose, but they would not know for sure until toxicology tests conducted by the coroner were completed in several weeks.

“Our son Scott has fought a long and valiant battle against Type 1 diabetes,’ said a statement released by the Sterling family. ‘His death is a terrible tragedy, the effects of which will be felt forever by our family and all those who knew and loved him. We sincerely appreciate the warm outpouring of sympathy and support from so many of our dear friends.’

Homicide detectives were called to the apartment complex in the 22600 block of Pacific Coast Highway about 11:30 p.m. Tuesday after the body was found. It was not immediately known who reported the death nor how long he had been dead.

Sheriff’s Department spokesman Steve Whitmore confirmed it was the body of Scott Sterling, who was found alone. Friends and family had not seen him for a couple of days, Whitmore said.

There were no signs of foul play in the death, officials said Wednesday.

The neighborhood was quiet outside the Malibu Beach Villas complex on Pacific Coast Highway on Wednesday.

One resident of the building, who declined to be identified, called Scott Sterling a ‘nice guy’ who would wave when she saw him walking his dog.

‘He said hello,’ the resident said. ‘It’s a sad day here.’

Cars whizzed by the complex Wednesday, passing a sheriff’s car, a police car and a slew of news vans.

One woman who was visiting her daughter from out of town said she was staying nearby for New Year’s, but had not heard any commotion. Scott Sterling’s complex advertises its units as ‘ultra luxurious’ and has a black ‘now leasing’ sign affixed to a balcony.

The complex sits next to Nobu restaurant and a McDonald’s. Sand and ocean lie on the other side of the complex, and a silver BMW could be seen from the underground parking garage.

A friend and a neighbor outside near the complex said a large, white hound dog with gray spots that they had on a leash belonged to Scott Sterling. They did not want to say anything until the Sterling family does, but they described Scott Sterling as ‘intelligent and kind.’

One man said Scott Sterling often spent time with his daughters. They declined to elaborate.

Scott Sterling had been arrested in the 1999 Beverly Hills shooting of childhood friend Philip Scheid, but he was never charged in the case.

For the Record, 7:53 p.m., Jan. 2: A KTLA-TV video accompanying this report stated incorrectly that Sterling had been arrested in 1999 following the fatal shooting of a childhood friend. The shooting was not fatal. Also, a previous version of this post stated incorrectly that Sterling was 31. He was 32 at the time of his death.

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-- Matt Stevens in Malibu and Andrew Blankstein in Los Angeles