Scott Sterling’s cause of death determination deferred, coroner says

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Coroner’s officials have conducted an autopsy on the body of Scott Sterling, the 32-year-old son of Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling, but his cause of death is being deferred until toxicology tests are completed.

Those tests would likely not be available for weeks, said coroner’s spokesman Ed Winter.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department officials have said preliminary evidence suggests Sterling died of a drug overdose, but they declined to elaborate, waiting for the coroner’s official determination of cause of death.

Officials said they didn’t know what kind of drugs were involved nor whether Sterling was taking any prescription medications at the time of his death. It was also unclear whether Sterling’s diabetic condition--revealed by his family in a statement Wednesday--played a role in his death.

Sterling was found dead in his apartment on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu late Tuesday. He had not been seen by family and friends for at least two days, investigators said, adding there were no signs of foul play.

The Sterling family released a statement Wednesday afternoon saying Scott Sterling suffered from diabetes. ‘Our son Scott has fought a long and valiant battle against Type 1 Diabetes,’ the statement read. ‘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.’

Despite being the son of one of the Southland’s most famous real estate moguls, Sterling kept a low profile. Few details about his personal life or employment were available Wednesday.

Sterling was arrested in 1999 in Beverly Hills in connection with the shooting of childhood friend Philip Scheid was never charged in the case.

ALSO:

Superman caught on video flying along Carlsbad beach

Teens drugged parents to use Internet past curfew, police say

Rare river otter a celebrity after settling near Golden Gate Bridge

-- Matt Stevens and Andrew Blankstein