Houston actor Tumlin, who played young Walker Bobby with Will Ferrell’s Ricky Bobby in “Talladega Nights,” died at the age of 28 by suicide, TMZ reported.
Tumlin, who lived in Pelham, Alabama, was shot in the head at 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, according to Shelby County coroner Lina Evans.
His girlfriend, whose identity was not revealed, was allegedly inside the house at the time of her death.
No letter or indication of intentional suicide was found.
Tumlin’s role as a 10-year-old son of a race car driver in 2006’s “Talladega Nights: Ricky Bobby’s Ballad” is his only acting credit.
Just a month ago, she shared a fond memory of the film with co-star and fellow actor Grayson Russell. “@Graysoncrussell tells me a set of more beautiful ‘brothers’. I’m waiting “, he wrote on his Instagram page.
As an adult, he served in the 101st Army Air Division at Fort Campbell, Ky, according to TMZ, as well as in other professions.
A Twitter user who claims to have been in the army with him wrote: “SGT Houston Tumlin came to me as PVT Tumlin. He showed a lot of spirit, promise, positive energy and was (with his hands down) one of my best soldiers in my company. I came ready to work. Please check each other. Get help if you need it. We need you.”
Tumlin attended Victory Christian High School and graduated in 2011, according to Wrap. A Twitter user who identified himself as a Tumlin classmate said he was “one of the funniest guys.”
“Some of you may know who he is. This is Houston Tumlin, aka “Hooty”. He was “Walker” in “Talladega Nights” (Son of Will Ferrell) ” they wrote in a tweet. “I graduated with him and he was one of the funniest guys I’ve ever met. It’s been a while and words can’t describe how hard this is. RIP friend. ”
The same friend also shared a tribute on Instagram. “Words cannot describe how bad it was that you died @_tumlin_,” he wrote. “You always made everyone laugh and you will miss them dearly. I will never forget to edit this skit and be almost suspended for it in high school. ”
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or write the word “Home” on the Crisis Text Line at 741741.