Houston Tumlin, one of the child actors from the 2006 comedy film “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby,” has died at the age of 28.
Tumlin died by suicide, reports TMZ.
Tumlin passed away on Tuesday after taking his own life with a gunshot to the head, the coroner of Shelby County, Alabama told the outlet. Tumlin resided in the town of Pelham.
Tumlin's girlfriend was inside the home at the time of death, the outlet reported. No letter was found.
Tumlin was known for his role as Walker Bobby, the foul-mouthed son of Will Ferrell's character, superstar NASCAR driver Ricky Bobby, in "Talladega Nights."
The role was his only acting credit.
The actor served in the Army's 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, TMZ reports.
Tumlin's girlfriend, Charity Robertson, posted an emotional tribute to him on Tuesday in a Facebook post, reports People.
"I’ve never experienced a hurt like this before," Robertson began her moving caption of a post that featured several photos of the couple.
"I feel numb, I feel defeated, I feel lost. I feel empty. My heart is absolutely shattered," she continued.
Robertson went on: "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. I love your smart mouth, your 'i’m always right' attitude (🙄), your hugs, your kisses, your touch.. Just YOU!"
She added: "I just still feel like this is a really bad dream that I can’t wake up from."
"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 💗
In August 2019, Tumlin's costar Grayson Russell, who played Walker's little brother Texas Ranger Bobby in the film, posted a throwback photo of the two and recalled their life on set in a tribute to the film's 13-year anniversary.
"13 years ago today my life changed inevitably," Russell's caption began.
After recalling the audition for the parts, Russell discussed the fun times the two had on production of the film.
"I remember a ton of Connect Four, numerous apologies to Ted Manson for allegedly 'throwing his old war medals off the bridge,' acting like Legolas running around with @mslesliebibb ‘s hair extensions, and being carried around atop the broad shoulders of Michael Clarke Duncan. I was 10 feet tall. I think that’s why I always carry the kids up top," he wrote.
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