Wrestling icon Ric Flair’s stepson, Sebastian Kidder, has passed away at age 24. On Sunday, Oct. 27, Flair's former partner and Kidder’s mother, Wendy Barlow, confirmed to TMZ that her son, an emerging musician, died by suicide on Oct. 26.
"I am devastated and shocked,” Barlow told the outlet. "This is an epidemic with young men and mental health."
TMZ reported that Kidder died Saturday afternoon from a gunshot wound at the family home in Georgia, with police currently investigating the incident.
Kidder shared his last social media post shortly before his passing. In a series of Instagram photos, he is seen holding a guitar in a room that appears to be a recording studio, illuminated with purple lighting.
Flair, 75, the former WWE star who was in a relationship with Barlow for over 13 years until their split in September, has not yet commented on his stepson’s death publicly.
Kidder, a musician and actor, released his debut album, *Under The Moon*, under the name Sebastian. Over the years, he also appeared in various TV and film projects, including independent movies and a guest role on *The Walking Dead* as a child.
In a June interview with *Good Day Atlanta*, Kidder spoke about his early inspirations from Aerosmith, Maroon 5, and Michael Jackson, which eventually led him to start creating his own music.
"I fell in love with it, and here I am," he said of his artistic pursuits. "I think it comes down to a unique work ethic. ... You have to really have that drive. I hate to say it, but this has gotta be your one aim. You have to let go of everything else and make this your whole world."
Flair and Barlow have openly supported Kidder’s creative journey. The WWE alum posted a clip of his stepson’s debut music video to Instagram upon its release in June, expressing his excitement about the new album.
"Congratulations @sebastianonthemic On The Release Of Your First Music Video," the wrestler wrote at the time.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ