Talladega Nights actor Houston Tumlin experienced post-traumatic stress disorder after serving in the US army, his mother has said.
Tumlin, who portrayed the son of Will Ferrell’s race car driver Ricky Bobby in the 2006 film, died by suicide on 23 March.
The former actor, aged 28, grew up to serve in the US army’s 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
Tumlin’s mother Michelle told TMZ that her son earned accolades including an Army Achievement Metal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, but experienced PTSD and depression in the wake of his service.
“Houston Lee Tumlin was so much more than a child actor from Talladega Nights,” she said. “My beautiful boy brought joy to everyone he encountered and made them feel special. Houston fought his battle for years, and we will continue to fight for him.”
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Tumlin’s family marched in an Alabama event this past weekend (27 March) to raise awareness for army veteran suicide and PTSD support. A full military funeral is planned for the former actor.
Tumlin was found dead by suicide at his home in Pelham, Alabama on 23 March, and no note was found at the scene. His girlfriend was at home at the time.
Talladega Nights was Tumlin’s sole acting credit.
