Sebastian Kidder, an up-and-coming musician and the stepson of professional wrestling legend Ric Flair, has tragically died at the age of 24 by suicide.
The news was first reported by TMZ Sports and confirmed by Kidder’s mother, Wendy Barlow, who said that the family is heartbroken.
“I am devastated and shocked,” Barlow said to TMZ Sports. “This is an epidemic with your young men. And mental health…”
Kidder was an up-and-coming musician who had just released his first album, something his mother was very proud of.
“I am so excited to announce the release of My Son Sebastian’s first album,” Barlow said in a post on Instagram. “It’s called Under the Moon and you can find it on all streaming platforms. He writes his songs and has worked hard to self-publish his music.”
This past summer, Kidder appeared on FOX’s Good Day Atlanta to promote the album and perform one of his songs. He revealed that his mother was the catalyst for his music career.
“I recorded the cover and didn’t think anything of it but my mom got ahold of it and started sending it around to people,” Kidder said. “You get traction and roll with it.”
Flair met Barlow, a retired All-American-ranked professional tennis player and coach, over a decade ago and had been a figure in Kidder’s life ever since. He was also very supportive of Kidder’s music career.
“A lot of advice for sure (on handling fame),” Kidder said of Flair. “That’s the interesting thing, growing up with Ric as a stepdad was very different, very unique.”
“You go out to a family meal and you are just surrounded by fans, people coming up and wanting pictures. You are already exposed to it from an early age. What kid has Post Malone coming over and having dinner with the family? Darius Rucker pulled up with his big tour bus one time. It was crazy.”
“Congratulations [Sebastian] on the release of your first album – Under the Moon!” Flair said in a post on X. “I am so proud of you! WOOOOO!”
Congratulations @sebastianonmic On The Release Of Your First Album- Under The Moon! I Am So Proud Of You! WOOOOO! Available On All Streaming Platforms! https://t.co/WUED7HprCN pic.twitter.com/rxIrTuzQBl
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy)June 21, 2024
Our thoughts and condolences are with Barlow, Flair, and the rest of Kidder’s family.
If you or anyone you know is struggling or is in crisis, there is help. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org
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