Duncan Robinson opened up about his brother’s death by suicide in 2025, urging mental health conversations and support.
A week of basketball emotion can hit harder when family grief is the story behind it, and Duncan Robinson’s tribute to his late brother, Eli, has resonated far beyond the court.
In the lead-up to a major Pistons moment. Misryoum reports that Robinson spoke publicly about Eli. who died by suicide in 2025.. The shared account. including his long struggle with mental health and substance dependency. is now again drawing attention as Robinson balances personal loss with the demands of high-stakes games.
Robinson described Eli as a source of inspiration, highlighting how his brother’s sobriety and resilience shaped what Robinson wanted to become. He also urged open conversations about vulnerability, arguing that speaking plainly about these experiences can help others feel less alone.
In this context, the focus isn’t simply on tragedy, but on the complicated reality families can face when mental illness, addiction, and treatment challenges overlap.
Robinson also referenced how Eli’s condition worsened over time, including episodes marked by hallucinations and hearing voices.. Misryoum notes that family members have pointed to a pattern of symptoms consistent with schizophrenia. underlining that the road was not a quick fix but a persistent struggle.
Meanwhile, the family’s response has turned grief into action.. Through the Robinson Family Foundation. they aim to support other families navigating similar challenges and to raise awareness around mental health. including the risks research has suggested linked to early marijuana use and later psychosis.
For a broader audience, Robinson’s message lands because it challenges the silence that often surrounds suicide and severe mental health conditions, and it reframes disclosure as a form of support rather than weakness.
As Robinson heads toward another pivotal Pistons game, Misryoum says his tribute carries an extra weight: it’s a reminder that the most visible performances can coexist with private battles, and that public honesty may offer hope to others who are living with their own unanswered questions.