Scottie Pippen's Oldest Son Antron Dead At 33, NBA Star Writes Heartbreaking Note
April 19 2021, Updated 3:22 p.m. ET
Scottie Pippen's oldest child, son Antron Pippen, has died at the age of 33.
The 55-year-old retired NBA star announced the devastating news in a heartbreaking tribute posted Monday to Instagram, sharing photos of him with his firstborn over the years.
"I'm heartbroken to share that yesterday, I said goodbye to my firstborn son Antron," Pippen wrote. "The two of us shared a love for basketball and we had countless conversations about the game."
Though Scottie did not reveal the cause of Antron's death, he explained his late son "suffered from chronic asthma and if he hadn't had it, I truly believe he would've made it to the NBA."
"He never let that get him down, though," Pippen went on. "Antron stayed positive and worked hard, and I am so proud of the man that he became."
The grief-stricken father of seven asked his fans and followers to "please keep [Antron's] mom, Karen, and all of his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. A kind heart and beautiful soul gone way too soon. I love you, son, rest easy until we meet again."
Antron was born on December 29, 1987. He was the only child Scottie had with his first ex-wife, Karen McCollum, to whom he was married from 1988 to 1990.
Like his dad, Antron was talented on the court. He played basketball for Texas A&M International University before signing with the Upstate Heat team of the World Basketball Association.
Though he never made it to the NBA like his dad, he went on to play for a local team in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was reportedly working as a machine technician at a lab. He was relatively quiet online.
Scottie is also dad to 26-year-old daughter Taylor Pippen, who was born on July 20, 1994, to Pippen's ex-girlfriend Sonya Roby. Taylor had a twin sister, Tyler Pippen, but Tyler died in the hospital less than two weeks after birth.
Sierra Pippen – Scottie's 26-year-old daughter, who he shares with ex-girlfriend Yvette Deleone – was born on February 17, 1995.
And Scottie's four youngest children – who he shares with estranged wife and Real Housewives of Miami star Larsa Pippen – are son Scotty Pippen Jr., 20, son Preston Pippen, 18, son Justin Pippen, 16, and daughter Sophia Pippen, 12.
Rest In Peace, Antron Pippen.