Scott Sterling, the 32-year-old son of Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling, died as a result of a pulmonary embolism and “narcotic medication intake” in what Los Angeles County coroner’s officials classified as an accidental death, authorities said Monday.

Sterling was found dead in his apartment on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu on New Year’s night. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department officials quickly determined his death did not involve foul play but appeared to involve some type of drug overdose.


The report showed that Sterling’s diabetes and oxycodone were also contributing factors.

The report suggests that Sterling injected an “oral narcotic medication” that was intended to be taken orally.


Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter said the injection of medication may have led to blockages in his blood system that led to his death.

The Sterling family released a statement shortly after Scott Sterling’s death saying he suffered from diabetes, but they did not elaborate on how it might have played into his death.


“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.”

Scott Sterling kept a low profile despite being the son of one of the Southland’s most famous real estate moguls. Few details about his personal life or employment were made public at the time of his death.


Sterling was arrested in 1999 in Beverly Hills in connection with the shooting of childhood friend Philip Scheid, but he was not charged in the case.

At the time of his death, Sterling was living in the Malibu Beach Villas complex on Pacific Coast Highway. The property is owned by the Donald T. Sterling Trust, according to property records. Units there are advertised as being “ultra luxurious.”


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andrew.blankstein@latimes.com