Scottie Pippen’s oldest son, 33-year-old Antron, passed away on Sunday.
The 55-year-old NBA Hall of Famer confirmed the news in matching posts on both Instagram and Twitter, explaining the special bond they shared and his son’s struggle with chronic asthma. Pippen did not name a cause of death.
“I am devastated that I said goodbye to my firstborn son Antron yesterday. We both shared a love for basketball and we had countless conversations about the game, ”Pippen wrote alongside photos with Antron, who said he would have had a successful NBA career had there been no health issues.
“Antron was suffering from chronic asthma and if he hadn’t, I really believe he would have made it to the NBA. However, he never let that discourage him – Antron stayed positive and worked hard, and I am so proud of the man he became. “
Pippen urged fans to keep Antron’s mother, Karen McCollum, his family and friends in their prayers and thoughts.
‘A good heart and a beautiful soul have disappeared far too soon. I love you, son, rest assured until we meet again, ”Pippen concluded.
Antron was the oldest of Pippen’s eight children and the only child Pippen had with McCollum.