Talladega Nights star Houston Tumlin dies aged 28

Ex-child actor Houston Tumlin, who played the son of Will Ferrell's character in Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, has taken his own life, according to authorities in the US.

The 28-year-old died at home in Pelham, Alabama on Tuesday, County Coroner Lina Evans revealed.

Tumlin's girlfriend was at home at the time of the tragedy and found his body, according to the coroner.

It did not appear the former actor left a note behind. He had served in the US Army and suffered from PTSD and depression, Evans said.

Talladega Nights, released in 2006, was Tumlin's only acting credit. He played Walker Bobby, the 10-year-old son of Ferrell's character, Ricky Bobby.

Directed by Adam McKay, he movie's star-studded cast included Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Sacha Baron Cohen and Amy Adams.