Giants’ Wilmer Flores Reveals Heartbreaking Final Texts from Charlie Kirk Before Tragic Murder
San Francisco, CA — The baseball world was shaken once again Sunday morning as San Francisco Giants veteran infielder Wilmer Flores opened up about the devastating loss of activist Charlie Kirk, who was murdered earlier this month at the age of 31. In an emotional and tearful disclosure, Flores revealed the final text messages he received from Kirk, just hours before the tragedy unfolded words that have since taken on a haunting permanence.
A Private Friendship Made Public
Flores, known for his steady bat and quiet demeanor, surprised many fans when he stepped forward to share the story of his bond with Kirk, a figure largely outside the sports sphere.
“Not many people knew how close we were,” Flores told reporters, his voice breaking. “Charlie was like a brother. He’d always check in on me, even after tough games, just to remind me to keep my head up and keep pushing.”
The Giants star said Kirk’s last texts carried an unusual tone of urgency and reflection.
“He sent me this message: ‘Life is short, brother. Promise me you’ll always do what you love, and never let fear stop you.’ I didn’t know it would be the last time I’d hear from him,” Flores recalled.
Another message, sent just minutes later, struck an even deeper chord: “No matter what happens, keep standing for what you believe in. That’s what makes us truly free.”
News That Shattered the Giants Clubhouse
Hours after those texts were exchanged, word spread that Charlie Kirk had been shot and killed, a crime that has sparked outrage across communities and ignited fierce debates about public safety, extremism, and the future of activism in America.
When Flores learned the news, he said he “dropped to the floor” in disbelief.
“I thought it had to be a mistake. He was so full of life, so full of plans. We were supposed to meet next week for dinner,” Flores said. “It didn’t feel real, and honestly, it still doesn’t.”
The Giants organization issued a statement standing behind Flores, praising his courage in sharing such a personal detail. “We grieve with Wilmer and with all who knew and loved Charlie. This tragedy reaches far beyond baseball,” the team said.
A Larger Conversation About Violence
Kirk’s killing has become a flashpoint nationally, with leaders from both political and civic communities condemning the violence. Vigils have been held in multiple cities, with candles, flowers, and handwritten messages left in his honor.
Flores admitted that he wrestled with whether to share Kirk’s final texts at all, but ultimately decided they carried a message worth amplifying.
“Charlie wanted people to live without fear and to stand for their beliefs,” Flores said. “That’s the part I don’t want lost in all of this. If I can use my platform to make sure people hear his words, then at least something good can come from such a horrible loss.”
Fans React to Flores’ Courage
Giants fans, already reeling from recent emotional tributes to Kirk, took to social media to express support for Flores.
“Wilmer didn’t have to share that, but it makes us all feel closer to the humanity behind this tragedy,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “It shows the kind of teammate and person he is.”
Another supporter added: “Those last words from Charlie Kirk about living without fear are going to live on through Wilmer and through us. Powerful.”
Baseball as a Healing Space
The Giants, who have dedicated recent games to Kirk’s memory, have been using baseball as a way to bring people together in mourning. Flores, who has quietly become one of the team’s veteran leaders, said the ballpark has been both a refuge and a reminder.
“When I step onto that field, I feel like I’m carrying Charlie with me,” he said. “I want to play in a way that honors him with passion, joy, and no fear.”
Teammates described Flores as a pillar of strength during what has been an emotionally heavy stretch for the franchise. “He’s hurting, we’re all hurting, but the way he’s handled it is inspiring,” said Giants pitcher Logan Webb.
A Call for Justice
As investigators continue piecing together the details of Kirk’s murder, Flores echoed a growing call for justice.
“Whoever did this didn’t just take a man’s life,” he said. “They took away a friend, a mentor, and a voice for so many. There has to be accountability.”
For Flores, however, the most powerful justice will come in living out the words Kirk left him in those final texts.
“I’ll carry them for the rest of my life,” he said softly. “Do what you love. Don’t let fear stop you. Stand for what you believe in. That’s my promise to Charlie.”
A Legacy of Words
In the end, Kirk’s murder has left a void in public life, but his words preserved in the private messages he sent Flores have become a rallying cry.
The Giants plan to hold another moment of silence before their next home game at Oracle Park, where Flores is expected to address fans directly for the first time since revealing the texts.
As he summed up to reporters: “Baseball comes and goes. Wins and losses come and go. But words the right words they live forever. And Charlie’s last words to me will never fade.”
