{"id":434426,"date":"2026-05-06T03:12:41","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T03:12:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/434426\/"},"modified":"2026-05-06T03:12:41","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T03:12:41","slug":"what-happened-to-duncan-robinsons-brother-how-pistons-guard-has-honored-siblings-legacy-after-2025-death","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/434426\/","title":{"rendered":"What happened to Duncan Robinson\u2019s brother? How Pistons guard has honored sibling’s legacy after 2025 death"},"content":{"rendered":"

The following story deals with mental health and may be distressing for some readers. If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat\u00a0988lifeline.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

On the floor, Duncan Robinson has long been considered one of the NBA\u2019s best shooters. The wiry marksman has enjoyed wondrous spells with the Heat<\/a> and Pistons<\/a>, making himself an indispensable part of multiple title contenders.<\/p>\n

Robinson\u2019s family has played a leading role in his success, offering a platform to become one of the NBA\u2019s most well-known role players. In April 2025, the Robinsons were dealt a tragic blow when Duncan\u2019s brother, Eli, died suddenly.<\/p>\n

Duncan and Eli were as close as could be during Eli\u2019s life. Their connection remains in the time since his death, with Duncan taking multiple steps to pay tribute to his fallen brother.<\/p>\n

With that, here\u2019s what you need to know about Duncan Robinson\u2019s brother, Eli.<\/p>\n

NBA PLAYOFFS HQ:\u00a0Live NBA scores<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0NBA playoff schedule<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0NBA playoff bracket<\/a><\/p>\n

What happened to Duncan Robinson\u2019s brother?<\/p>\n

Robinson\u2019s brother, Eli, died of suicide on April 30, 2025. He was 31 years old.<\/p>\n

Eli dealt with substance abuse and schizophrenia during his life. His sister, Marta Robinson Day \u2014 a licensed mental health counselor \u2014 explained that Eli experienced \u201cmultiple episodes that were in line with somebody that has schizophrenia\u201d in a television spot for ESPN that aired on May 1<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Ever since Duncan Robinson was a little kid, his big brother, Eli, was his biggest fan. While Duncan carved out a career, Eli had his personal struggles. And last year, his suffering was just too much. This is their story of loss and love (told with the incredible @simonpb17<\/a>) pic.twitter.com\/yOQss78m5y<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 3, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

He left an indelible mark on his brother, one that remains one year on.<\/p>\n

“Eli was my inspiration,” Robinson said at his brother’s memorial service on May 13, 2025. “He was who I wanted to be and he was how I wanted to be. Eli,\u00a0in all the ways you inspire me, with your sobriety\u00a0and how you wrestled with the boldness that most of us can’t even comprehend.”<\/p>\n

Robinson told ESPN that he still is finding ways to honor his brother\u2019s legacy. Every day, he carries a pendant that features Eli\u2019s sobriety date.<\/p>\n

Robinson\u2019s family also launched a foundation in his honor. The Robinson Family Foundation supports families experiencing similar challenges. It also attempts to raise awareness for mental health and the potential link between marijuana use and psychosis.<\/p>\n

Robinson Day said the family believes early marijuana use played a role in Eli\u2019s struggles.<\/p>\n

“He (Eli) was having delusions, he was hearing voices,” Robinson Day said. “There were\u00a0multiple episodes that were in line with the symptoms of somebody that has schizophrenia. … What they’re finding in research is that if you use marijuana in a developing brain,\u00a0which is considered up to the age of 25, you’re at a higher risk of developing psychosis later on.”<\/p>\n