MALIBU (CBSLA.com) — The 31-year-old son of Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling was found dead at his Malibu home Tuesday.

Sheriff’s Homicide Detectives were sent to an apartment in the 22600 block of Pacific Coast Highway around 11:30 p.m. on a welfare check, authorities said.

KNX 1070′s Pete Demetriou reports when deputies arrived, they found the body of Scott Ashley Sterling on his couch.

“Sheriff’s Homicide and Los Angeles County Coroner’s personnel at this time believe that Sterling died of an apparent drug overdose,” Deputy Guillermina Saldaña said.

According to officials, Sterling had not been seen by family or friends for several days prior to his death.

(credit: CBS)

The following statement was released Wednesday on behalf of Donald and Shelly Sterling:

“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.”

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

Clippers superstar Chris Paul took to Twitter Wednesday to show his support for the Sterling family:

Please keep our owner Donald Sterling and his wife Shelly and their family in your prayers as they lost their son Scott

—
Chris Paul (@CP3) January 02, 2013

Former NBA superstar and TV sports analyst Shaquille O’Neal also expressed his sympathy:

RIP to Scott Sterling son of Clippers Owner Donald Sterling. My thoughts and prays go out to Donald and rest of the Sterling family.

—
  (@SHAQ) January 02, 2013

A woman who lives next door to Sterling, and did not want to be identified, told CBS2/KCAL9 reporter Bobby Kaple, “I think everybody is just taking it all in. It’s a bit shocking.”

“I liked Scott, I think he was a really nice guy…it’s a sad day here,” the neighbor said.

Kaple spotted the building’s manager walking Sterling’s dog, who neighbors said had been barking.

In 1999, Sterling was accused of shooting and injuring his 19-year-old childhood friend. No charges were filed in the incident.

Investigators do not suspect foul play in Sterling’s death. An autopsy is pending.

Anyone with information about the death is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.