Wrestling legend Ric Flair's stepson Sebastian Kidder dies aged 24

WWE star Ric Flair's stepson, Sebastian Kidder, has tragically died at the age of 24, his mother has confirmed.

Flair married Sebastian's mother Wendy Barlow in 2018, having been in a relationship for 13 years before announcing their split just weeks ago.

Barlow has issued a heartbreaking statement, telling TMZ Sports: "I am devastated and shocked. This is an epidemic with your young men. And mental health..."

TMZ reports Sebastian was found on Saturday (26 October) with a gunshot wound.

Police are continuing to investigate what happened in the buildup to his tragic passing.

Sebastian was very much seen as an up-and-coming artist in the music industry, having just released his first studio album in the form of Under The Moon.

Ric Flair with his stepson Sebastian Kidder (Instagram/@sebastianonthemic)

The musician had been doing the media rounds over the summer to promote his new album.

Speaking with Kaitlyn Pratt on Good Day Atlanta, Sebastian said: "It's a lot of pain, a lot of suffering, a lot of crying in a corner just hoping the words come out. No, I'm kidding of course.

"Very romance-filled is probably the core of the album. I'd say romance and a lot of sexual energy."

Alongside his music, Sebastian made a name for himself in acting, appearing in The Walking Dead at just 10 years old.

Being in the spotlight at such age can't have been easy, something Sebastian had spoken out in the past.

And in an interview with Fox 5 Atlanta, Sebastian heaped praise on his mom in dealing with the pressure.

"I'd say my mom was definitely a big inspiration," he said. "She was the one who got me started and everything. She got that gig on The Walking Dead, so that was really big."

The singer passed away on Saturday (Instagram/@sebastianonthemic)

Sebastian went on to say his mother was also vital in his decision to pursue a career in music.

He added: "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. You get traction and roll with it."

In the same interview, the musician touched on what it was like being Flair's stepson.

"Growing up with Ric as a stepdad was very different, very unique," Sebastian said. "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."

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.

You can also call 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746 at the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline.