Jason Aldean is mourning the loss of his dear friend and longtime security guard, Ryan Fleming.
The superstar took to social media to pay tribute to Fleming on Wednesday (Aug. 25).
“Man this is a hard post to write,” he began. “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.”
Aldean went to to remember how Fleming was always there for him, no matter what, including the moment a gunman opened fire on the Route 91 Festival in Las Vegas when he was on stage performing.
“He came out and traveled the world with us and for years if u saw me, Rhino wasn’t too far away,” he shared. “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 post included several photographic memories of himself with Fleming. Other artists, who remembered spending time with Fleming on the road, shared their condolences via the comments section.
“Oh damn, sorry to hear that. Remember him very well. Cool dude,” wrote Charles Kelley.
Kane Brown shared, “
My favorite time with him was when he would ride my bus and drink A whole 24 pack to his self… the window was lined with empty cans 
can’t even believe it 
.”
Dee Jay Silver also paid tribute to Fleming on Instagram.
“Today is a rough one,” he admitted. “There are very few people that you speak to on a daily basis, & even fewer that you can count on anytime and anywhere…… that was Rhino! The world lost one of the good guys today. If anything ever went wrong, the first person you looked for was Rhino. If you ever needed a laugh…. the first person you looked for was Rhino. Rest In Peace my friend, We’re all gonna miss you Coot! @rhinolin3 
”
Aldean’s wife, Brittany, also shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, remembering the late Fleming.
“I can’t believe I’m writing these words. Rheen, my buddy💔,” Aldean’s wife captioned a photo of her and the late security guard on Instagram. “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💔💔💔”
Fleming’s cause of death has yet to be revealed.
