Orthopedic surgeon J. Richard Steadman, who treated elite athletes, dies at 85

Dr. J. Richard Steadman, an orthopedic surgeon who founded the renowned Steadman Clinic where many of the world’s elite athletes have gone for career-saving treatment, has died at age 85. (David Zalubowski/AP)

VAIL, Colo. — Dr. J. Richard Steadman, an orthopedic surgeon who founded the renowned Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado, where many of the world’s elite athletes have gone for career-saving treatment, has died at age 85.

Steadman died in his sleep Friday at his home in Vail, said Lynda Sampson, vice president of external affairs at the Steadman Clinic and the Steadman Philippon Research Institute.