Actor Houston Tumlin, who as a boy starred in the NASCAR-themed movie “Talladega Nights,” suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and depression “for years” before his death by suicide at the age of 28, his mother said in a new report.

The Shelby County Coroner’s Office said Tumlin died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound Tuesday, according to USA Today.

Tumlin’s girlfriend was at his Pelham, Alabama, home and discovered his body, Coroner Lina Evans said, according to NBC News.

Tumlin played the character of Walker Bobby, who was the son of actor Wes Ferrell’s character in the 2006 film “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.”

Tumlin’s mother, Michelle, said her son served in the Army for almost six years and was an E-4 specialist in the 101st Airborne Division, according to a TMZ report published Sunday.

She said he suffered from PTSD and depression.

Tumlin received the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, she said, as well as his Air Assault wings.

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“Houston received a different set of wings” upon his death, she said.

“Houston Lee Tumlin was so much more than a child actor from ‘Talladega Nights.’ 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,” she said.

TMZ reported that Tumlin will have a military funeral.

Charity Robertson, who said she was Tumlin’s girlfriend, posted her thoughts on Facebook.

“I’ve never experienced a hurt like this before,” she posted. “I feel numb, I feel defeated, I feel lost. I feel empty. My heart is absolutely shattered.”

“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,” she wrote.

This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.