Ric Flair’s Stepson Sent Text to Biological Father Before Taking His Own Life

The wrestling world is mourning the tragic loss of Sebastian Kidder, the 24-year-old stepson of WWE legend Ric Flair. New details have emerged about the circumstances surrounding his death, revealing that Kidder sent a text message to his biological father, Paul, moments before he took his own life on Saturday afternoon.

According to Ryan Winderweedle via TMZ, a spokesperson for the Gwinnett County Police Department, Kidder reached out to his father at approximately 4:00 PM EST. Concerned for his son’s well-being, Paul immediately called 911, requesting a welfare check at the family’s home in Georgia.

Sadly, when authorities arrived, they found Kidder had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. In addition to the tragic discovery, investigators recovered a Springfield Armory handgun at the scene and found an envelope containing a note left on a table in Kidder’s bedroom.

The devastating news was first confirmed by Sebastian’s mother, Wendy Barlow, who shared her heartbreak over the loss of her son. “I am devastated and shocked,” Barlow said, emphasizing the impact of the growing mental health crisis affecting young people. “This is an epidemic with our young men. Mental health…”

Sebastian Kidder was beginning to build a promising career in music. Earlier this year, he appeared on FOX’s Good Day Atlanta to promote his debut album, sharing his passion and talent with viewers.

Following the tragic news, Ric Flair took to Twitter/X to release a heartfelt statement, reflecting on the grief he feels over Sebastian’s loss and drawing parallels to the pain he continues to endure from the death of his son, Reid Flair, in 2013.

“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.”

Flair admitted to the emotional struggle he faced following Reid’s passing, acknowledging how difficult it can be to balance friendship and parenthood. He urged Wendy Barlow, Sebastian’s mother, to remain strong in the face of this overwhelming loss.

“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.”

Flair also reminisced about Sebastian’s selflessness during challenging family moments, including Flair’s health crisis in 2016 and the loss of Reid.

“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.”

In his closing words, Flair offered encouragement to Wendy and asked for strength and blessings as the family navigates this unimaginable grief.

“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!”

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for confidential support.

We extend our deepest condolences to Ric Flair, Wendy Barlow, and everyone affected by this unimaginable loss.