Houston Tumlin, the former child actor who starred in the 2006 comedy Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, has died at the age of 28.
Tumlin's cause of death was reportedly suicide, according to Shelby County Coroner Lina Evans, who confirmed the information to TMZ.
The actor is thought to have died at his home in Pelham, Alabama at around 4:30pm on Tuesday 23 March. His girlfriend was at home at the time. No note was found at the scene.
Tumlin’s role as Walker Bobby in Talladega Nights was his only acting credit. He played the son of Will Ferrell’s character.
As an adult, Tumlin served in the US Army’s 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, according to TMZ.
Friends posted messages to social media in the wake of the announcement. “Some of y’all might know who this is. This is Houston Tumlin, aka ‘Hooty’. He was ‘Walker’ in Talladega Nights (Will Ferrell’s Son). I graduated with him and he was one of the funniest guys I’ve ever met. He recently passed, and words can’t describe how hard this is. RIP buddy,” wrote one friend.
Another former classmate wrote on Instagram: “Words can’t describe how much this hurt seeing that you passed away @_tumlin_ . You always made everyone laugh and will be missed dearly. I will never forget us setting up this skit and nearly getting suspended for it in high school.”
If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, The Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone free of charge over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
