Tyler Roby Pippen was one of the twin daughters of basketball legend Scottie Pippen and Sonya Roby. While her life was very short, her story remains an important part of the Pippen family history. This article explores the brief yet meaningful story of Tyler and the impact she had on her famous family.
Detailed Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tyler Roby Pippen |
| Date of Birth | July 20, 1994 |
| Date of Death | July 29, 1994 |
| Age at Death | 9 days old |
| Place of Birth | Mercy Hospital, Chicago, Illinois |
| Father | Scottie Maurice Pippen Sr. (NBA Legend) |
| Mother | Sonya Roby (Former Model, Now Lifestyle Photographer) |
| Siblings | Taylor Roby Pippen (Twin Sister), plus 6 other half-siblings |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Being the daughter of six-time NBA champion Scottie Pippen |
The Story of Tyler’s Birth
On July 20, 1994, twin girls were born to NBA star Scottie Pippen and his former girlfriend Sonya Roby. The twins were named Taylor and Tyler Pippen. At that time, Scottie was at the top of his basketball career, playing for the Chicago Bulls alongside Michael Jordan.
The birth of twins should have been a wonderful celebration. However, the situation was complicated from the start. Scottie and Sonya were not in a stable relationship at the time. When the twins were born, Scottie initially did not accept that he was their father.
Sonya had to take legal action to prove that Scottie was the father of her daughters. After a DNA test was done in October 1994, the results showed that Scottie was indeed the biological father of both Tyler and Taylor. Following this confirmation, Scottie agreed to provide financial support for the children.
A Heartbreaking Loss
Sadly, just nine days after being born, Tyler Roby Pippen passed away on July 29, 1994, at Mercy Hospital in Chicago. The exact cause of her death was never shared with the public, as the family chose to keep this painful information private.
The loss of a newborn baby is one of the most difficult experiences any family can face. For the Pippen family, Tyler’s death brought deep sadness during what was supposed to be a happy time. Even though Scottie Pippen has been open about other personal tragedies in his life, such as the death of his eldest son Antron in 2021, he has never publicly discussed Tyler’s passing.
This silence shows how deeply personal and painful this loss was for him and the family.
Tyler’s Twin Sister: Taylor Pippen
While Tyler’s life ended after just nine days, her twin sister Taylor grew up to become a successful and strong woman. Taylor Pippen has achieved many things in her life, showing the same determination that runs in the Pippen family.
Taylor played volleyball at Southern Illinois University and even became a professional volleyball player in Spain for one season in 2016. After her sports career, she returned to the United States and built a successful career in banking. According to her professional profile, Taylor became a Vice President at JP Morgan Chase & Co.
However, Taylor’s relationship with her father has been complicated. In a 2016 interview, Taylor spoke honestly about her father, saying that he never wanted to meet her. She explained that growing up near Chicago with the famous Pippen last name meant people always asked her about her father, but she learned that “Pippen is just a last name.”
Who Was Sonya Roby?
Tyler’s mother, Sonya Roby, was a model when she met Scottie Pippen in the early 1990s. After the twins were born and Tyler passed away, Sonya focused on raising Taylor as a single mother. The court gave Sonya full custody of Taylor, while Scottie was given visitation rights, though he did not develop a close relationship with his daughter.
Today, Sonya works as a lifestyle photographer in Chicago and goes by the name Sonya Martin. She appears to have remarried and has built a private life away from the public eye. Her Instagram shows that she is around 54 years old and has raised Taylor with love and care, despite the challenges they faced.
The Pippen Family
Scottie Pippen has a large and complex family. Throughout his life, he has had eight children with four different women. Tyler was part of this extended family, though her time with them was tragically brief.
Scottie’s children include:
- Antron Pippen (1987-2021) – Scottie’s first child with his first wife Karen McCollum, who sadly passed away at age 33
- Taylor Pippen (1994-present) – Tyler’s twin sister
- Tyler Roby Pippen (1994) – Passed away after nine days
- Sierra Pippen (1995-present) – Daughter with ex-girlfriend Yvette De Leon
- Scotty Pippen Jr. (2000-present) – Professional basketball player with the Memphis Grizzlies
- Preston Pippen (born around 2002)
- Justin Pippen (born around 2005)
- Sophia Pippen (born 2008) – The youngest child
Scottie was married to his second wife, Larsa Pippen, from 1997 to 2021. They had four children together before their divorce.
Understanding Scottie Pippen’s Response
When Tyler and Taylor were born, Scottie Pippen denied being their father at first. This denial might seem harsh, but it’s important to understand the context. Scottie was in a complicated personal situation at the time, and his relationship with Sonya was not stable.
After the DNA test proved he was the father, Scottie accepted his responsibility financially. He agreed to pay child support and cover medical expenses for Taylor. However, he did not build a personal relationship with his daughter, which Taylor has spoken about publicly.
It’s worth noting that Scottie has had better relationships with his other children, particularly his sons who followed him into basketball. The complicated situation with Taylor seems to be connected to the painful circumstances around that time in his life, including the loss of Tyler.
Life After Tragedy
The Pippen family has faced multiple losses over the years. In 2021, Scottie shared the heartbreaking news that his eldest son, Antron, had died at the age of 33. Antron suffered from chronic asthma throughout his life. Scottie posted a touching message on social media about his son, showing how much these losses have affected him as a father.
These experiences have shaped Scottie Pippen not just as a basketball legend, but as a human being who has known both great success and deep personal pain. While he won six NBA championships and achieved incredible fame, he has also lost two of his children, which no amount of success can make easier.
Conclusion
Tyler Roby Pippen may have lived for only nine days, but her story remains an important part of basketball history and the Pippen family legacy. Born as the twin daughter of NBA legend Scottie Pippen and Sonya Roby, Tyler’s brief life ended in tragedy in July 1994. While her twin sister Taylor went on to build a successful life, Tyler’s memory continues to be honored by her family. Her story reminds us that behind every famous person are real human experiences of joy, loss, and love. Though short, Tyler’s life had meaning and continues to touch those who learn about her story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who were Tyler Roby Pippen’s parents?
Tyler Roby Pippen was the daughter of NBA legend Scottie Pippen and Sonya Roby, a former model. She was born on July 20, 1994, as one of twin daughters.
Q2: How long did Tyler Roby Pippen live?
Tyler lived for only nine days. She was born on July 20, 1994, and sadly passed away on July 29, 1994, at Mercy Hospital in Chicago.
Q3: Did Tyler have any siblings?
Yes, Tyler had a twin sister named Taylor Roby Pippen, who is still alive today and works as a banking executive. Tyler also had six other half-siblings from her father’s other relationships.
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