Houston Tumlin – the boy who played Ricky Bobby’s son in ‘Talladega Nights’ – grew up to serve his country with pride, but unfortunately suffered from PTSD and depression as a result, which led him to suicide … his mother tells TMZ.
Michelle Tumlin tells us … your son served with honor in the US Army for almost 6 years, earning a lot of praise as an E-4 specialist in the 101st Airborne Division.
Houston’s awards include the Army’s Medal of Achievement, the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, but Michelle says he was very proud to win his air assault wings.
Michelle says, “Houston received a different pair of wings” this week, and while the family is suffering from the loss, she says she wants to stress out anyone who is suffering to seek help.
She says … “Houston Lee Tumlin was much more than a child actor in ‘Talladega Nights’. My beautiful boy brought joy to everyone he met and made them feel special. Houston fought his battle for years and we will continue to fight for him. “
We are told that Houston will have a full military funeral, and his family marched to an event over the weekend in Helena, Alabama, to raise awareness of veteran suicide and support for PTSD.
We spread the story … Houston died by suicide Tuesday at his home in Pelham.
Along with his military service, he was best known for playing the outgoing Walker Bobby, the eldest son of Will Ferrellof the character, in the 2006 comedy, “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby”.
Houston was 28 years old.
TO TEAR APART