Ric Flair has had one of the most decorated careers in professional wrestling history. He has survived the lowest of lows while being a professional wrestler. Despite the controversies always surrounding him, he has been a mature and responsible man for his own family.
After having five controversial marriages, Ric Flair has had a total of four biological children in his life. He had two children with his first wife, Leslie Goodman, and the other two with his second wife, Elizabeth Harrell. His youngest son, Reid Flair, was close to his heart, but due to unfortunate reasons, Ric was not able to love him for more than 25 years.
Reid was the youngest son of the WWE Hall of Famer and was loved by the whole family. Following in his dad’s footsteps, Reid also wanted to become a huge pro wrestler and earn fame in the business like his father did. While he wrestled in various independent promotions along with his brother David Flair, he could’ve been the next big thing in wrestling.
However, while working hard for his dreams, Reid Flair seemed to fight his inner demons, which were dragging his career down. According to various reports, Reid battled drug addiction throughout his rookie career and had extreme substance abuse issues. Ultimately, drugs took over Ric’s youngest son, eventually leading to his unfortunate demise.
Best Autograph Ever! 🙏🏻 You’re In My Heart Forever Son! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/N7XaOWtmuk
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) August 13, 2022
At the young age of 25, Reid was declared dead due to a drug overdose while staying in his hotel room. Several months later, it was also revealed that heroin was present in his body, which ultimately took his life. This left a huge impact on the Flair family and the whole wrestling industry.
Ric Flair remembers Reid’s tragic death
It is truly heartbreaking for a father to see his son take his own life in front of him. Similarly, it was not easy for Ric to process the whole situation, as he was deeply affected by his son’s death. They both shared a special bond, as Ric used to accompany Reid throughout his rookie career, and he wanted Reid to become a top WWE star just like him.
After his son’s devastating death, The Nature Boy shared his emotions about his son on various occasions. During a podcast on his channel, Ric talked about Reid’s passing and how difficult life was after his demise.
Ric said, “I made some bad choices after Reid passed. I would say to surround yourself with your family and not just stray off and find so much misery within yourself. My problem was that I blamed myself and there was no way to share that guilt because he was with me. We called like the dying upset a thousand times, dying on my watch”.
Remembering Reid Flair, who passed away 10 years ago today. #RIP pic.twitter.com/7XXdMN9S21
— 𝗝𝗘𝗙𝗙 𝗕𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗪𝗢𝗢𝗗 (@jsbtarheel95) March 29, 2023
Reid’s death was a huge setback for the professional wrestling world. Charlotte Flair joined the pro wrestling world because of his late brother Reid.
It’s crazy to think that if Reid Flair was around there wouldn’t ever have been a Charlotte Flair.
Wonder what the climate of wrestling would have been like if he never passed away and got signed. pic.twitter.com/lzKsYOCjiM
— ✨Mo (@ThatsJustNique) March 14, 2022
During the Dan LeBatard Show, Charlotte revealed how his brother’s constant interest in wrestling inspired her to be a professional wrestler. She credited his late brother for whatever she has achieved in the business and will always be grateful to him.
