Jared Padalecki receives fan tribute amid depression battle

Jared Padalecki received a touching tribute Sunday at San Diego Comic-Con.

The 32-year-old actor was speaking at the Supernatural panel when nearly 7,000 fans lit tea candles in the audience to show support for Padalecki and his Always Keep Fighting campaign amid his depression battle.

"There's no shame in having to fight every day," he told Variety in March. "But fighting every day, and presumably, if you're still alive to hear these words or read this interview, then you are winning your war. You're here."

Padalecki called the gesture was "so touching and humbling and honoring," and later thanked "anybody and everybody that had ANY part whatsoever in the Always Keep Fighting Hall H tea light event" on Facebook.

"I am beyond moved," he wrote. "From the very bottom of my heart and my soul, thank you so much. I will never forget this day. I will never forget the love that I felt, and still feel. And, to everybody who held a light for me, please know that I hold my light for you."

Padalecki was first diagnosed with depression in 2007, and alarmed fans by abruptly cancelling appearances due to "exhaustion" in May. The actor portrays Sam Winchester on Supernatural, which will return for an 11th season October 7 on The CW.