Sebastian Kidder reportedly died over the weekend, leaving his mother heartbroken and his famous stepfather reflecting on the loss of his own son more than a decade ago.
Rising musician and stepson of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) icon Ric Flair, Sebastian Kidder, died from a reported self-inflicted gunshot wound on Saturday, October 26, at his family's home in Georgia. Police have launched an investigation, though details remain unclear.
Kidder's mother and Flair's estranged wife, Wendy Barlow, confirmed the news to TMZ, expressing her grief and concern about mental health struggles among young men. "I am devastated and shocked. This is an epidemic with our young men. And mental health..." she said.
Wendy Barlow appears on "Celebrity Wife Swap" in June 2013 | Source: Getty Images
In a separate Instagram post, Barlow shared her grief, "There are no words to express the pain I am feeling from the loss of my Baby @sebastianonthemicMommy Loves you ❤️🙏."
Kidder's death comes shortly after Flair publicly announced his separation from Barlow on September 23, ending their 13-year relationship. He revealed that the split was due to conflicting schedules and new projects.
Reflecting on their time together, Flair wished Barlow success in her future endeavors and thanked her for supporting him through his "terrible health crisis" in 2017.
Amid this recent separation, Flair shared a heartfelt Instagram post about Kidder's passing, expressing his deep sorrow. He empathized with Barlow and Kidder's biological father, Paul, acknowledging the profound pain of losing a son.
Drawing from his own loss of his son, Reid, 11 years ago, Flair wrote, "I Still Every Day Of My Life Think About Reid As You Will Continue To Think About Sebastian [sic]."
Reid was 25 when he was reportedly found dead in a North Carolina hotel in March 2013. The autopsy that followed stated he died from a drug overdose.
The professional wrestler urged Barlow not to blame herself, adding, "Sometimes We Get So Close To Our Kids, We Forget That They Need Us In So Many Different Ways [sic]."
Flair expressed deep gratitude for his time with his stepson, cherishing their bond and shared memories. He admired Kidder's unwavering support for his mother and his generosity toward their family, even in difficult times.
Flair fondly recalled Kidder's talents, noting he will be remembered for his achievements and character. Before his death, Kidder made strides in both acting and music.
On June 24, Kidder appeared on Fox's "Good Day Atlanta," where he discussed his journey growing up around entertainment and the experiences that led him to music.
In an interview with host Kaitlyn Pratt, Kidder shared that he began acting at age 10, working as a double for a child character in "The Walking Dead" series. Looking back, he described acting as a "stepping stone" that helped him embrace the spotlight. "I fell in love with it, and here I am," he said.
Kidder's passion for the arts culminated over the summer with the release of his debut album, "Under the Moon." He initially joked about the themes of his project, "You know, a lot of pain, a lot of suffering, a lot of crying in a corner just hoping that words come out."
But the artist later clarified that "romance" was the core of his album, with "a lot of sexual energy" and a sense of loss woven throughout. He expressed disbelief and joy at seeing his work come to life, describing it as a "dream."
Throughout his journey, Kidder received enthusiastic support from his stepfather. Flair even celebrated his stepson's success on social media, congratulating him on the release of his first music video, "Goth Girl at Bar."
Reflecting on his upbringing with Flair, Kidder noted how different it was. "You go out for a family meal and you're just surrounded by fans and you're already exposed to that at an early age, everybody coming up, wanting pictures, autographs, stuff like that," he shared.
He also mentioned being fascinated by celebrities visiting their home, and enjoying the chance to meet famous people—another distinct aspect of growing up with his stepdad.
As his family, friends, and the community mourn his loss, authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Kidder's death.
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