Hall of Fame legend 'heartbroken' after son dies, aged 33
Basketball fans are rallying behind NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen after the Chicago Bulls great revealed that his first-born son has died at the age of 33.
Pippen says he is "heartbroken" by the tragedy after sharing the devastating news of his son Antron's passing in a series of touching posts on social media.
'WE JUST PRAY': NBA world's fear over latest Durant injury
FANTASY MAILBAG: Should Isaiah Stewart and Daniel Gafford be rostered?
'NEXT BIG THING': America goes wild over Aussie legend's daughter
"I'm heartbroken to share that yesterday, I said goodbye to my firstborn son Antron," Pippen wrote on social media accounts.
"The two of us shared a love for basketball and we had countless conversations about the game."
The Chicago Bulls legend did not disclose his son's cause of death and asked for fans to keep his family in their prayers. Antron is Pippen's only child with his first wife, Karen McCollum.
"Antron suffered from chronic asthma and if he hadn't had it, I truly believe he would've made it to the NBA," Pippen wrote.
"He never let that get him down, though โ Antron stayed positive and worked hard, and I am so proud of the man that he became.
"Please keep his 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."
Fans pay respects after Pippen's tragic loss
Antron may not have made the NBA, but he did get to play collegiately.
He was a guard at Texas A&M International University and signed with the Upstate Heat in the World Basketball Association in 2013.
Please keep his 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. ๐๐พ (3/3) pic.twitter.com/eYyQ6pcdtx
โ Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) April 19, 2021
He lived in Atlanta where he was a machine technician.
Scottie Pippen has had eight children. One of his twin daughters died nine days after being born in 1994.
News of the NBA legend's latest heartbreak has led to an outpouring of support from fans on social media.
As a Coach you spend hours with kids Today is a tough day I received news that Antron Pippen son of HOF Great Scottie Pippen and mother Karen M Pippen passed away A life gone way too soon I coached Antron in college at TAMIU I love and miss you kid, Rest In Heavenly Peace ๐๐พโค๏ธ ๐ข pic.twitter.com/tkGAqRRffp
โ Coach Stephon Leary (@LearyStephone) April 19, 2021
Damn...Iโm the same age as Pippenโs son that passed away. Parents should never have to bury their kids! ๐
โ Flacko ๐ฅ Millzy (@Marc_Millzy) April 19, 2021
Another one gone to soon. Scottie Pippen lost his oldest son Antron yesterday at the age of 33 ๐ข Thoughts and prayers to him and his family #RIP pic.twitter.com/YGq8habUVk
โ ๐๐ค๐ค๐๐๐ ๐๐ฝ๐ โ (@HoodieLBJ) April 19, 2021
I'm deeply saddened to learn that Scottie Pippen's son Antron died yesterday.
No matter what anyone does in any field of endeavor, being a parent is their first, most important responsibility.
Losing a child is devastating. My condolences to the entire Pippen family.โ Mike Sarzo ๐ท (@mikesarzo) April 19, 2021
RIP to Antron Pippen. Scottie Pippenโs oldest son reportedly died at age 33. Gone too soon. Prayers out to the Pippen family ๐โค๏ธ
โ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ธ๐ช๐ฝ๐บ (35-22) (@MaskedBron_) April 19, 2021
Love and condolences to you and the Pippen family. May God bless your beloved son's soul and welcome him into His Kingdom and may He comfort you and everyone who mourn him. Thank you for sharing and may your son be remembered and honored forever.๐น
โ DMX Forever ๐ (@JJRavenation52) April 19, 2021
with Yahoo Sport US
Watch 'Mind Games', the new series from Yahoo Sport Australia exploring the often brutal mental toil elite athletes go through in pursuit of greatness:
Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.
