Houston Tumlin, who was a child actor 15 years ago in Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, has died, TMZ reports.
Shelby County Coroner Lina Evans told the publication that the 28-year-old took his own life on Tuesday afternoon inside his home in Pelham, Alabama.
Houston’s sister Hayden took to Instagram to pay tribute to her brother after his tragic death.
Alongside a photograph of the siblings, she penned: “‘I lost my brother yesterday. This doesn’t feel real or right to be without him. He was so special to us. I will love you forever, bubba.”
Houston is best known for playing 10-year-old Walker Bobby in Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.
(Image: Instagram/_tumlin_)
He played the son of actor and comedian Will Ferrell’s character Ricky Bobby in the 2006 comedy film.
The film is Houston’s professional movie credit.
Tumlin was reportedly serving in the Army’s 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell in 2015, according to TMZ.
He was also said to dabble in various jobs, including repairing telephone lines.
Houston’s girlfriend Charity shared an emotional tribute to her late boyfriend.
(Image: Instagram/_tumlin_)
She wrote: “I’ve never experienced a hurt like this before. I feel numb, I feel defeated, I feel lost. I feel empty. My heart is absolutely shattered.
“My sweet, sweet baby.. Our time together was one of the best experiences of my life. I’ll miss your big heart, caring spirit, infectious laughter, & oh man could the list go on.
She continued: “I love your smart mouth, your ‘i’m always right’ attitude, your hugs, your kisses, your touch.. Just YOU!
“I just still feel like this is a really bad dream that I can’t wake up from.”
(Image: Instagram/_tumlin_)
Charity concluded: “One thing is for sure though, I have the absolute best guardian angel a girl could ever wish for cause everybody knows you don’t play about me.
“I love you so much Houston Lee & thank you for loving me so passionately and unapologetically for the time we had each other”.
Talladega Nights was a firm favourite among comedy and stock car racing fans as it featured many quotable scenes.
Its star-studded cast included Gary Cole John C. Reilly, Sacha Baron Cohen, Michael Clarke Duncan, Amy Adams, and Jane Lynch.
David Koechner, Andy Richter, and Leslie Bibb also had key roles in the movie.
Houston featured in plenty of scenes in the film, alongside his on-screen brother, Grayson Russell, who starred as Texas Ranger Bobby.
The young kids were hilarious in the film and spent most of the movie swearing and talking back to their elders, including their grandpa Reese Bobby (Gary Cole).
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
