When you look at the legacy of Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen, you instantly see six NBA championships and an undeniable athletic dynasty. However, his personal life carries profound heartbreak, especially concerning his infant son, Tyler Roby Pippen. Born on July 20, 1994, to Scottie and former professional model Sonya Roby, Tyler was a twin. Tragically, Tyler passed away just nine days after his birth at Mercy Hospital in Chicago. While sports fans know everything about Scottie’s on-court achievements, the story of Tyler remains a quiet, sorrowful chapter in the Hall of Famer’s life. Let’s look closely at the brief life of Tyler Roby Pippen, the heavy family dynamics during 1994, and how his surviving twin sister honors their shared history today.
Key Takeaways
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Tyler Roby Pippen was born on July 20, 1994, in Chicago, Illinois.
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His parents are NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen and former model Sonya Roby.
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Tyler had a twin sister named Taylor Pippen, who survived and later became a professional athlete.
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Tyler tragically passed away on July 29, 1994, at only nine days old.
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Scottie Pippen initially disputed paternity, but a court-ordered DNA test later confirmed he was the biological father of the twins.
Tyler Roby Pippen Cause of Death: What Happened in 1994?
In the summer of 1994, Scottie Pippen was carrying the massive weight of the Chicago Bulls franchise on his shoulders. Michael Jordan had retired the previous year, leaving Scottie as the undisputed team leader. While he was managing this intense professional pressure, his personal life became highly complicated. Away from the basketball court, he had an off-and-on relationship with Sonya Roby. During this time, Roby became pregnant with twins.
The twins arrived on July 20, 1994. Welcoming twins usually brings immense joy to a family, but this situation quickly turned into a terrifying medical emergency.
The Pippen family has kept the exact medical cause of death strictly private over the years. However, it is a confirmed fact that Tyler suffered severe health complications immediately after birth, tragically leading to his passing just nine days later at Mercy Hospital. To understand the broader context of neonatal challenges, you can look at data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on infant mortality, which explains how the first 28 days of life carry the highest health risks for newborns, particularly those born in multiple births like twins.
The Paternity Dispute and Legal Resolution
During this emotionally devastating time, Scottie Pippen initially denied that he was the biological father of Tyler and Taylor. He refused to claim paternity, which forced Sonya Roby to take immediate legal action to protect her surviving daughter.
The legal process of establishing paternity attracted massive media attention. Reporters swarmed the Chicago courthouse, seeking details about the Bulls superstar. Despite the intense public scrutiny, Sonya Roby remained focused. In October 1994, a court-ordered DNA test definitively proved that the Chicago Bulls forward was indeed the father of Tyler Roby Pippen and Taylor.
Following the test results, Scottie admitted paternity in court. He agreed to provide financial child support for Taylor, paying thousands of dollars to cover medical bills and insurance expenses. Despite fulfilling his financial obligations, Scottie did not fight for custody and chose not to maintain an active relationship with Taylor as she grew up.
Where Tyler Roby Pippen Fits in the Family Tree
Tyler is one of Scottie Pippen’s eight children from four different relationships. Understanding the full family structure helps put Tyler’s short life into perspective.
Here is a clear breakdown of the Pippen children:
| Child’s Name | Birth Year | Mother | Notes |
| Antron Pippen | 1987 | Karen McCollum | Passed away in 2021 at age 33 |
| Taylor Pippen | 1994 | Sonya Roby | Tyler’s twin sister; corporate executive |
| Tyler Roby Pippen | 1994 | Sonya Roby | Passed away at 9 days old |
| Sierra Pippen | 1995 | Yvette De Leon | Raised entirely away from the public eye |
| Scotty Pippen Jr. | 2000 | Larsa Pippen | Current NBA player (Memphis Grizzlies) |
| Preston Pippen | 2002 | Larsa Pippen | Played basketball at Sierra Canyon High |
| Justin Pippen | 2005 | Larsa Pippen | Highly recruited high school basketball player |
| Sophia Pippen | 2008 | Larsa Pippen | Fashion model and television personality |
You can easily see that athletic talent runs deep in the family, with several children following their father’s athletic path.
A Common Misunderstanding About Scottie Pippen’s Losses
Many newer sports fans mistakenly believe that Antron Pippen, who tragically died from chronic asthma complications in 2021, was the only child Scottie ever lost. This is factually incorrect. Tyler Roby Pippen was actually the first child Scottie lost, passing away nearly three decades before Antron. Recognizing Tyler’s existence ensures that the complete history of the family is accurately remembered, rather than erased by time.
The Life of Tyler’s Twin Sister, Taylor Pippen
While Tyler Roby Pippen did not get the chance to grow up, his twin sister Taylor thrived against the odds. Taylor discovered a deep passion for sports, but she actively chose volleyball instead of basketball to carve out her own identity away from her father’s massive shadow.
She played collegiate volleyball at a high level and eventually went overseas to play professionally in Spain in 2016. Today, Taylor has transitioned completely into the corporate finance world. She currently works as a Vice President for JPMorgan Chase & Co. in the United States. In various interviews, she has openly stated that she prefers to be known for her own hard work rather than just being a celebrity’s daughter.
Pro-Tip: When researching celebrity family histories, always rely on verified court documents and direct interviews rather than tabloid speculation. Early 1990s media often misreported facts regarding paternity suits, creating rumors that persist today.
Why Tyler Roby Pippen’s Story Matters Today
In modern celebrity culture, we often focus entirely on championship rings, massive wealth, and highlight reels. The story of Tyler Roby Pippen reminds us that public figures experience the exact same human tragedies as anyone else.
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It humanizes sports icons: Fans often view athletes like Scottie Pippen as invincible supermen. Reminding ourselves that he is also a grieving father grounds him in reality. It shows that fame cannot protect you from profound personal grief.
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It highlights maternal strength: Sonya Roby had to navigate the devastating loss of Tyler while simultaneously fighting a high-profile legal battle against one of the most famous athletes on the planet. Her resilience secured a stable, successful future for her daughter.
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It shifts the spotlight to Taylor: Knowing about the tragedy of Tyler gives you a much deeper appreciation for Taylor Pippen’s personal success. She did not let the trauma of her family’s past dictate her future.
Summary and Your Next Steps
The brief life of Tyler Roby Pippen is a tragic reality hidden behind the glamour of a 1990s NBA dynasty. Born on July 20, 1994, and passing away just nine days later, Tyler’s memory lives on through his twin sister Taylor and the historical record of the Pippen family.
If you want to learn more about the lives of professional athletes and their families off the court:
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Look up Taylor Pippen’s collegiate volleyball highlights to see her athletic talent in action.
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Read about the current NBA career of Scotty Pippen Jr., who plays for the Memphis Grizzlies.
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Explore memoirs written by 1990s Chicago Bulls players to understand the immense media pressure they faced during their personal struggles.
FAQs
Who is Tyler Roby Pippen?
Tyler Roby Pippen was the infant son of NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen and former model Sonya Roby. He was born a twin but sadly passed away shortly after birth.
When did Tyler Roby Pippen die?
Tyler passed away on July 29, 1994. He was only nine days old at the time of his death.
Does Tyler Roby Pippen have a twin?
Yes, Tyler was born alongside his twin sister, Taylor Pippen. She survived infancy and later enjoyed a successful career in professional volleyball before moving into banking.
Did Scottie Pippen claim Tyler and Taylor at birth?
Initially, no. Scottie denied paternity when the twins were born. A court-mandated DNA test in October 1994 definitively proved he was the biological father.
What was the cause of Tyler Roby Pippen’s death?
The specific medical cause of his death has never been publicly released by the family, though it is a known fact that he suffered fatal complications during his first nine days at Mercy Hospital in Chicago.
How many children does Scottie Pippen have in total?
Scottie Pippen fathered eight children across four different relationships. Two of his children, Tyler and Antron, have passed away.
Did Scottie Pippen pay child support for Tyler’s twin?
Yes. After the DNA test confirmed paternity, the court ordered Scottie to pay child support, insurance, and medical expenses for Taylor.
Where is Tyler’s twin sister Taylor Pippen now?
Taylor Pippen left professional sports and transitioned into the financial sector. She currently works as an executive at JPMorgan Chase & Co.
