Scott Sterling, the son of Clippers owner Donald Sterling, has been found dead in his Malibu, Calif., home according to multiple reports.

The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department released a statement confirming the details.

Just before 11:30 PM last night, January 1, 2013, deputies from Malibu/Lost Hills Station responded to the 22600 block of Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, regarding a check the welfare call.

When deputies arrived, they found the body of 31-year-old Scott Sterling. They contacted the informant who said that Sterling had not been heard from for several days so he came to check on him.

Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.

Sheriff’s Homicide and Los Angeles County Coroner’s personnel at this time believe that Sterling died of an apparent drug overdose.

The Los Angeles County coroner's office also said the death appeared to be accidental, but an autopsy was planned to determine the exact cause of death.

Scott Sterling had some past trouble with the law, most notably after a 1999 incident in which he shot his friend with a shotgun. Beverly Hills police said that Sterling shot friend Philip Scheid in the legs during an argument at Donald Sterling's mansion. Scheid claimed he was shot from behind while running away, while Scott said he only shot in self-defense after being approached with a knife.

No charges were filed by the district attorney's office as it cited creditbility issues with Scheid.

Scott, 31, was not involved with the Clippers organization other than being the son of the owner.

The Sterling family released the following statement on Wednesday: 

“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.

We sincerely appreciate the warm outpouring of sympathy and support from so many of our dear friends.

At this time, we respectfully ask to be afforded the opportunity to mourn this loss in an appropriately private manner.”

Clippers President Andy Roeser released a statement Wednesday evening: 

“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 issued the following statement: 

"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. Our thoughts and sympathies are with the Sterling family at this most difficult time."