The son of Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling has been found dead in Malibu, California, according to a spokesman for the team.
Scott Sterling, 32, was reported dead at 12:42 a.m. PT on Wednesday, according to the Los Angeles County Coroner's office.
Sheriff's officers and the coroner's office believe he died of an "apparent drug overdose," according to a press release.
He was discovered by officers who were sent to the home and later pronounced dead by paramedics.
Donald and Shelly Sterling issued a statement later Wednesday in which they thanked supporters for their sympathy and asked for privacy as they mourn their son.
"Our son Scott has fought a long and valiant battle against Type 1 Diabetes. 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," the statement said.
Clippers President Andy Roeser offered condolences to the family in a news release.
"Today the thoughts and prayers of our organization go out to Donald T. and Shelly Sterling and their children Chris and Joanna, in the wake of this tragic loss. Scott was a friend to many in the Clippers' family and he will be greatly missed."
NBA Commissioner David Stern also expressed sympathy.
"On behalf of the NBA family, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Donald and Shelly Sterling on the loss of their son Scott," he said in a statement.
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Having a lot of money doesn't solve all problems and may create new ones. Not that I'd know but it seems that way. Still, I'd rather be rich and have problems than be poor. Poor people can't even get a decent place to live or get a decent car. The parking lot at Good Will is jammed every day. Lots of people are just getting by. I have limited sympathy in this case.
Isn't that sad, someone had so much money and he was so depressed about it so he killed himself by ODing.
Sickened by all the insenstive, cruel and pointless squabbling on this thread. Is this how you people spend your time? Stomping all over the dead and politicizing something that has nothing to do with politics? Rich or not this man is dead and people are grieving. I am glad we live in a country with freedom of speech but wish more people would realize that just because they CAN say something doesn't mean they SHOULD. Be kind and have a heart. Happy New Year!
Ageed
addiction has zero to do with wealth....it is an equal opportunity problem...and treatment is the only solution
Our public policies and culture do everything in their power to make addiction worse. The reality is many addicts have been programmed to this behavior.
I disagree
addiction may be "equal opportunity"... but overdosing is easier for those who can afford their vice....
@Closet Atheist: How cold, uncaring and judgemental you are. He was a human being, rich, poor or otherwise.
Overdosing is frighteningly easy to do; even a minor miscalculation of the dosage can result in depressed breathing and death - particularly if the person is alone or with other stoned people who miss the collapse. My condolences to his poor family.
@thelightofday . . . you are so right! Addiction effects all walks of life and treatment is definitely the ONLY answer! R.I.P., young man!
This is so sad. My condolences to the family. I'm tired of seeing stories like this on the news. Rich or poor, young or old, he was someones child. Just like Trayvon Martin was. I know this has nothing to do with this story but I keep thinking of the all the people saddened by the Newtown tragedy but I can't forget all the nasty comments directed toward Trayvon by people that didn't even know him. It's like many feel that he deserved to die just for being a young black male. No matter what, he was still a child.
It's called a double-standard. When a young minority child, from a less affluent family dies tragically, he/she is viewed somehow as at fault, but when someone from a more affluent background dies tragically, he/she is a victim.
"It's like many feel that he deserved to die just for being a young black male." Marcia, no one said that.
If he had an assault rifle, he could have had a chance fighting off the addiction.
"He was discovered by officers who were sent to the home and later pronounced dead by paramedics." The officers were pronounced dead by paramedics? Do we not hire educated journalists any more, who can write clearly? Please, CNN, send this writed back to J-school.
your comment simply confirms that there is at least one pathetic troll in every forum...and hey, today its YOU my friend !!!
This young man's father did everything right to stop his son's addiction and he was unable to do so. An addict can't stop being an addict until he/she is ready and so many that go thru rehab return to their old habits.
So true Claudia. Rehab can do nothing for addiction until that person is ready to stop. I know so many that were addicted, and rehab didn't help any of them. In the front door and out the back.
Btw this is Wake up People!
my sister almost died yesterday,she overdosed on pain pills,r.i.p. to his son
Kelly if this is true your family is in my prayers. I don't know how close the two of you are but be there for her. Life is so precious and so is family. Good luck to you all.
Can you inform us of what kind of pills and how it was almost an overdose? Glad that she is o.k.
Taking the end of the streak a little hard.
Was thinking the same thing!
Bahahahahaha!!!
Go Clips!
and people who don't work and contribute to the tax base should not be able to vote.
You people should feel bad about talking about someone dead son,there family have lost a son friend someone they care about this could have been anyone people should stop throwing stones and pray its a new year stop acting like kids and GET OVER YOIRSELFS my prayers go out to the family and the team they have lost a friend.
and people who do not work and contribute to society should not have a vote.
Who's in charge of making that judgement. You?