Talladega Nights Star Houston Tumlin Dies Aged 28

Houston Tumlin, who played Walker Bobby - the son of Will Ferrell's Ricky Bobby - in Talladega Nights, has died at the age of 28.

It has been reported that died at around 4:30pm on Tuesday at his home in Pelham, Alabama.

His role as Walker Bobby - a foul-mouthed 10-year-old - in 2006 comedy Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby was his only acting credit.

After his brief foray into acting as a child, Tumlin enlisted in the USArmy's 101^st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, according to reports from TMZ.

He also worked in a number of other jobs in his adult life.

Underneath a photograph with her brother, Tumlin's sister Hayden expressed her shock at her brother's death.

She wrote: "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."

Fans have also flocked to Tumlin's Instagram page to pay their respects, with many photographs of the young man flooded with messages saying 'rest in peace'.

He became a fan favourite for his role in the movie - which also starred Sasha Baron Cohen and Amy Adams - and recently recalled his time on the shoot by sharing a picture of himself with fellow child star Grayson Russell, writing: "@graysoncrussell tell me a set of 'brothers' more handsome. I'll wait."

A Twitter user who claimed to have served in the Army alongside Tumlin also said: "SGT Houston Tumlin came to me as PVT Tumlin.

"He showed a lot of spirit, promise, positive energy and was (hands down) one of my best Soldiers in my company. Came ready to work.

"Please check on each other. Get help if you need it. We need you."

Another person who said they were a classmate of Tumlin's at school said that he was 'one of the funniest guys' and added: "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."

Featured Image Credit: Sony Pictures

Topics: TV and Film, Celebrity, US Entertainment

Tom Wood

Tom Wood is a LADbible journalist and Twin Peaks enthusiast. Despite having a career in football cut short by a chronic lack of talent, he managed to obtain degrees from both the University of London and Salford. According to his French teacher, at the weekend he mostly likes to play football and go to the park with his brother. Contact Tom on [email protected]

@TPWagwim