Ric Flair issues statement mourning death of stepson Sebastian Kidder

Ric Flair is mourning the loss of his stepson Sebastian Kidder, who died by suicide over the weekend at 24 years old.

Kidder, a musician who released his first album “Under the Moon” this summer, was the son of Flair’s longtime partner Wendy Barlow. Flair helped raise Kidder during the 13 years that he and Barlow were together. Drawing on the experience of tragically losing his son Reid at a similar age, Flair shared a statement to social media remembering Kidder and offering encouragement to Barlow.

  • 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 Know The Pain Of Your Loss Will Be With You The Rest Of Your Life. I Still Every Day Of My Life Think About Reid As You Will Continue To Think About Sebastian. You Can’t Blame Yourselves As I Blamed Myself For Making Reid My Best Friend Instead Of Being A Good Parent. Sometimes We Get So Close To Our Kids, We Forget That They Need Us In So Many Different Ways. 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 Stood Tall By His Mother Along With The Whole Family- Sophia, Paris, And Summer, While I Was Dying [Flair’s near-death experience during a health battle in 2017]. He Was So Unselfish Sharing His Mother With Me As I Was Dying. 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. I’m So Sorry! Wendy, Please Stay Strong & Don’t Let Anything Deter You From All Your Successful Endeavors You Have In Place In The Future. God Bless You Both! Rest In Peace Sebastian! @sebastianonthemic

Charlotte Flair also expressed how heartbroken she is following Kidder’s death.

Barlow confirmed Kidder’s passing to TMZ on Sunday. “I am devastated and shocked,” she told the outlet. “This is an epidemic with your young men. And mental health…”

Note: If you or anyone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, mental health struggles, or emotional crisis, the 988 Lifeline is available as a resource online or through calling/texting 988.