Scottie Pippen’s eldest son, Antron, 33, died Sunday.
The 55-year-old Hall of Famer from the NBA confirmed the news in appropriate posts on both Instagram and Twitter, explaining the special connection they shared with their son’s battle with chronic asthma. Pippen did not list a cause of death.
“I’m afraid to share this yesterday, I said goodbye to my first son Antron. We both shared a love for basketball and had countless conversations about the game, “Pippen wrote with photos of Antron, who he said would have had a successful NBA career if it weren’t for his health.
“Antron suffered from chronic asthma and if he hadn’t, I really think he would have reached the NBA. He never let him down, though – Antron stayed positive and worked hard and I’m so proud of the man he became.
Pippen went on to ask fans to keep Antron’s mother, Karen McCollum, family and friends in their thoughts and prayers.
“A good heart and a beautiful soul disappeared too soon. I love you, son, stay easy until we meet again “, concluded Pippen.
Antron was the eldest of Pippen’s eight children and the only child Pippen had with McCollum.