cpanther1995
Reid's death was tragic, something that no parent should ever have to deal with. But the absence of a parent cannot go understated... not to blame Ric exclusively for not being there, but he's gone on record in stating that he used to "party" with his son early on in his son's career.
I think this all goes back to the life Ric wanted to live, versus the life he didn't want much of a part of.
His story, save the glamour and fame that accompanied him throughout his most successful portion of his career, is nevertheless one that (unfortunately) many well-to-do people today can relate to.
The absence of a father figure in a family is incredibly impactful.
And to sense the regret that he wasn't there, that perhaps he could've done more to influence his son's reckless lifestyle cannot go unnoticed.
It was a part of who Ric Flair was, for better or worse. Nevertheless - no parent, piss-poor or well-off, deserves to go through that degree of tragedy and anguish. I know of at least three close friends who've gone through the heroin tragedy with their kids.
It is indeed an epidemic and I really hope that our country can wrap their heads around figuring out a way to overcome it. This impacts everyone.