Actor Houston Tumlin, who played young Walker Bobby opposite Will Ferrell’s Ricky Bobby in “Talladega Nights,” has died of suicide at the age of 28, TMZ reports.
Tumlin, who lived in Pelham, Alabama, ended his life with a gunshot to the head at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to Shelby County Coroner Lina Evans.
His girlfriend, whose identity has not been disclosed, was reportedly in the house at the time of death.
No letter or indication of intended suicide has been found.
Tumlin’s role as the roguish 10-year-old son of a racing driver in 2006’s “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” is his only credit.
Just a month ago, he shared a fond memory of the movie with his co-star and fellow child actor Grayson Russell. “@Graysoncrussell tell me a bunch of ‘brothers’ who are prettier. I’ll wait, ‘he wrote on his Instagram page.
According to TMZ, he served as an adult in the Army’s 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Ky., As well as in other professions.
A Twitter user who claims to have served with him in the military wrote: “SGT Houston Tumlin came to me as PVT Tumlin. He showed a lot of spirit, promise, positive energy and was (without a doubt) one of my best soldiers in my company. Came ready to work. Please check each other. Seek help if you need it. We need you. “
Tumlin attended Victory Christian High School and graduated in 2011, according to the Wrap. A Twitter user who identified as Tumlin’s classmate said he was “one of the funniest guys.”
“Some of you may know who this is. This is Houston Tumlin aka ‘Hooty’. He was ‘Walker’ in ‘Talladega Nights’ (Will Ferrell’s Son), ” they wrote in a tweet“I graduated with him and he was one of the funniest guys I’ve ever met. He recently passed and words cannot describe how difficult this is. RIP buddy. “
The same friend also shared a tribute on Instagram. “Words cannot describe how much it hurt when you saw you die @_tumlin_,” he wrote. “You have always made everyone laugh and will be missed immensely. I will never forget that we set up this skit and almost get banned from high school for it. “
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues addressed in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text the word “Home” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.