Ric Flair breaks his silence on the death of stepson Sebastian Kidder

Wrestling legend Ric Flair reacted to the shocking death of his stepson Sebastian Kidder, who committed suicide on Saturday, October 26 after being found with a gunshot wound in his family home in Georgia. He was 24 years old.

Flair, who was married to Kidder’s mother, Wendy Barlow, for six years, wrote on Instagram on Sunday, October 27: “I spent hours thinking about what to say. After hearing the news of Sebastian’s death, I can only imagine what Wendy and Paul are going through as they lost their son around the same age in 2013. (Flair’s son, Reid Flair, died on March 29, 2013 at the age of 25).

“I am very grateful for the time I spent with Sebastian. I have so many great memories and time spent with him growing up!” The WWE Hall of Famer continued. “He stood tall by his mother along with his entire family – Sophia, Paris and Summer, as I lay dying. He was so selfless in sharing his mother with me as I lay dying. And also after my son Reid died. He was multi-talented and in everyone’s eyes a huge success and that’s how we will always remember him.”

Kidder’s mother, Wendy, confirmed the transfer TMZ Sportssaying: “I am devastated and shocked. This is an epidemic among your young men. And mental health…”

She also wrote about the death on Instagram, writing: “There are no words to express the pain I feel over the loss of my baby @sebastianonthemic Mom loves you.”

Flair responded to Wendy’s post, writing, “I’m so sorry! Wendy, stay strong and don’t let anything stop you from all the successful endeavors you will undertake in the future. God bless you both! Rest in peace Sebastian.”

Kidder was an emerging musician who appeared on Fox’s show Good morning Atlanta in June to promote his debut album, Under the Moonwhich was released in the same month. He sang one of his songs in the program.

Speaking about his relationship with Flair on the show, Kidder said: “I definitely have a lot of advice (about dealing with fame). That’s an interesting thing, growing up with Ric as a stepfather was very different, very special. You go out for a family meal and you’re surrounded by fans, people who come and want photos. You are exposed to it from an early age.”

Flair and Wendy dated for many years before getting married in 2018. The former couple announced their separation last month.

“Wendy and I have had 13 wonderful years,” Flair wrote in a statement at the time. “Like every couple, we have experienced ups and downs. (But) I think it’s important for everyone to know now that we decided to part ways respectfully. I will never be able to thank her enough for standing by me during my terrible health crisis in 2018. She never left me! And for that I will always be grateful!”

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or dial 988. If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, call 911.