Kailia Posey, one of the child stars of Toddlers & Tiaras, died by suicide. She was 16 years old.
The family confirmed she tragically took her own life in a statement to TMZ.
“Although she was an accomplished teenager with a bright future ahead of her, unfortunately in one impetuous moment, she made the rash decision to end her earthly life.”
According to Daily Mail, her body was found Monday inside a car at Birch Bay State Park in Washington state.
Kailia Posey How Did She Die?
Posey’s mom, Marcy Posey Gatterman, initially shared the heartbreaking news of her daughter’s death in a Monday night Facebook post.
“I don’t have words or any thoughts. A beautiful baby girl is gone,” she wrote. “Please give us privacy as we mourn the loss of Kailia. My baby forever.”
Gatterman also posted a photo of Posey in her prom dress. Posey had just celebrated her 16th birthday on April 19 and attended her high school prom over the weekend.
Toddlers & Tiaras Star Kailia Posey Death Cause
“Although she was an accomplished teenager with a bright future ahead of her, unfortunately in one impetuous moment, she made the rash decision to end her earthly life,” said the mother in a statement to TMZ.
“She won countless crowns & trophies after competing on the pageant circuit her entire life … Her highly acclaimed talent as a contortionist had already led to professional touring job offers, and she had recently been selected to be a cheerleader at her high school next fall.”
Who Was Kailia Posey?
Posey was a young star on the popular TLC reality series, which ran from 2009 to 2013 and featured families who prepared their children to compete in beauty pageants. She was on the show when she was 5 years old, and became a popular meme when her evil grin reaction went viral.
Posey continued competing in pageants after the show, and in January, announced on Instagram that she was gearing up to compete as Miss Washington Teen USA in February.
She reportedly had a love for aviation, and had plans to continue to work in the entertainment industry while pursuing her goal of a commercial pilot’s license.
People have been flooding her social media accounts with messages and condolences since her death.
“Sincerest condolences to all family, friends and loved ones 🙏🏼 may she rest in eternal peace 💖✨🙏🏼,” said @lenagjokaj.
“Such a talented and beautiful soul ❤️ gone too soon,” said @mreddingg.
‘I don’t have the words right now.. I will always remember our talks about Christ and the way you loved so deeply. My favorite memory of you was right before we went on the stage for the production number at Dixieland this past year. I was looking for you and you said, ‘Hold on! I’m reading my devotional. God comes first,” Brooke Wilson shared online.
‘I told your momma just recently that you were one of the most beautiful kids on the inside and out. I meant it then and I mean it now. Your last message to me was telling me that you loved me. I’ll keep it forever. You will be greatly missed.’
“Can’t even believe this has happened. I’m praying for you guys to get through this. She always was so kind to all of us,” commented America’s Got Talent competitor Kadan Bart Rockett.
Her family has set up a fund, at the Whatcom Community Foundation in her name with the goal of providing resources to help students in crisis.
