My thoughts on Reid Flair's premature demise

Ric Flair (c) with his son Reid Flair (r)

Unfortunately, the news for Ric Flair have gotten worse. In addition to having a serious health scare involving complications with a blood clot in his leg (he is reportedly doing well in his recovery), Friday found “The Nature Boy” on what is likely the worst news he has ever received in his life.

Ric’s youngest son Reid was found dead in a hotel room in the Flair family’s adopted hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. He was just 25 years old (with some conflicting reports saying he was 24).

Details on Reid’s (real name: Reid Fliehr) death and what caused it have not been revealed at this time. However, early speculation states that it could likely stem from substance abuse problems. For several years, Reid battled a severe addiction to heroin, something that he was arrested for on at least one occasion. Reid did attend rehabilitation at one point, but there is no telling if the treatment stuck.

At this point, like I said, this is speculation. Either way, it doesn’t really matter. Regardless of what anyone might think of Ric Flair, this is a horrible tragedy. There’s an old expression that says a father should never bury his child, and it is absolutely true. What makes it even worse in this situation is the incredibly young age of Reid.

Reid was expected to sign a WWE developmental contract in the near future, partially due to his father’s recent return to the company. At the same time, he took the business very seriously and, during his teen years, was one of the top freestyle wrestlers for his age in the entire country of the United States of America. In addition to his father being one of the greatest in-ring performers of all time, his older brother also wrestled, and one of his sisters, Ashleigh, is currently signed to WWE, competing in NXT as Charlotte.

Reid is survived by his father, mother, brother David and sisters Megan and Ashleigh.

Although this will likely never be seen by the Fliehr family, I would like to express my deepest sympathies to them in this truly horrifying time. As a parent myself, I can’t imagine losing my child during my life, especially at such a young age. I can’t even begin to attempt to relate to what Ric and his family are going through right now. My thoughts are with him and his family at this time, and I know that there has been an overwhelming out-pour of support from both the wrestling community and fans alike.