Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.
Ric Flair has shared an emotional message following the death of his stepson.
The 75-year-old WWE legend’s stepson, Sebastian Kidder, took his own life, his mother Wendy Barlow confirmed to TMZ.
Flair took to social media on Sunday night (27 October) to share some heartfelt words about the 24-year-old.
Ric Flair has shared an emotional message following his stepson’s death (Instagram)
Writing on an Instagram post alongside a photo of the two having a conversation, he said: “I Have Spent Hours Wondering What To Say.
“After Hearing The News Of Sebastian’s Passing, I Can Only Imagine What Wendy & Paul Are Going Through Having Lost A Son Approximately The Same Age In 2013.
“I’m So Thankful For The Time I Had With Sebastian. I Have So Many Great Memories & Bonding Time With Him As He Grew Up!”
He went on: “He Stood Tall By His Mother Along With The Whole Family- Sophia, Paris, And Summer, While I Was Dying. He Was So Unselfish Sharing His Mother With Me As I Was Dying.”
Flair concluded the post by saying: “And Also, At The Passing Of My Son Reid. He Was Multi-Talented & In Everybody’s Eyes A Huge Success And Will Always Be Remembered That Way.”
Kidder passed away on Saturday (26 October) after suffering from a gunshot wound at his family home in Georgia, US.
Barlow told TMZ: “I am devastated and shocked. This is an epidemic with your young men. And mental health.”
Reid, who Flair referenced in his post, died aged 25 in a Charlotte hotel room in March 2013 following a drug overdose.
Kidder was the son of Barlow and a previous partner, that she was with before marrying Flair in 2018.
Flair had a close relationship with Kidder (Instagram)
It was reported that Flair was a part of Kidder’s life for over 15 years, which dates back to before his marriage to Barlow.
Last month, Flair revealed that the couple were splitting up after six years of marriage.
Earlier this year, Kidder spoke about his relationship with Flair on Good Day Atlanta, highlighting their special connection.
“A lot of advice, for sure. That’s the interesting thing growing up with Ric Flair as a stepdad, [he] was very different and very unique,” Kidder revealed, according to US Weekly.
He pointed out: “I mean you go out to a family meal and you’re just surrounded by fans. You’re already exposed to that [by] an early age, everybody coming up, wanting pictures and autographs. I mean, what kid has, like, Post Malone coming over for dinner?”
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123.