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Jason Aldean is mourning his security guard and longtime friend, Ryan Fleming.
Fleming, nicknamed “Rhino,” grew up with Aldean in Georgia. The country star wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post that when he needed to hire security, he knew that Fleming “would always look out for me and my family.” Of course, Fleming came through. Aldean noted that Fleming was the person to pull him from the stage during the Route 91 Harvest music festival shooting in Las Vegas in 2017.
Aldean wrote in memory of his friend:
“Man this is a hard post to write. We lost one of our boys today. Ryan Fleming aka @rhinolin3 was a friend I grew up with in Georgia. He was a bouncer at our favorite bar in Macon when he was 18, then went to work for the Sheriffs dept as he got older. When it came time for me to hire a security guy that I knew would always look out for me and my family, There was no question for me that person was Rhino. He came out and traveled the world with us and for years if u saw me, Rhino wasn’t too far away. He was the person who pulled me offstage during the Route 91 shooting and put his life in danger to take care of me and my crew. He was a good man and an even better friend. We will all miss you brother and thank you for having my back all these years. We love ya Rhino! RIP”
Aldean’s wife, Brittany Aldean, also shared a tribute to remember Fleming:
“I can’t believe I’m writing these words. Rheen, my buddy💔 What a ride we were on… traveling the world, joking every step of the way. I will love and miss you forever. Thank you for protecting us. You are family, forever and always. Our hearts are broken. I know you’re up in heaven with your Mama and Poncho 🐶 Lord knows they’ve missed you. Till we meet again my friend. Love you so much💔💔💔”