TODDLERS and Tiaras star Kailia Posey died by suicide at age 16 in a “rash decision to end her earthly life,” her heartbroken family confirmed.
Kailia rose to fame on the popular TLC TV series Toddlers & Tiaras, which showcased young children preparing to compete in beauty pageants.
“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,” the girl’s family told TMZ.
In addition to her successful career on the pageant circuit and as a contortionist, Kailia’s family also told the outlet she was recently selected to the cheerleading team at her high school for the upcoming year.
The 16-year-old had a love for aviation and planned to pursue a commercial pilot’s license while continuing her work in the entertainment industry, her family says.
Kailia’s mom confirmed her daughter’s shocking death on Facebook and wrote: “… I don’t have words or any thoughts. A beautiful baby girl is gone.”
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“Please give us privacy as we mourn the loss of Kailia. My baby forever.”
Kailia was pronounced dead in Birch Bay State Park, in Washington, at around 1.20pm on Monday, Washington State Patrol (WSP) Trooper Jacob Kennett confirmed.
The park is a 30-minute drive from Kailia’s home.
Kennett said WSP was summoned to the park at 1.26pm to assist the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office with a “juvenile death investigation.”
Earlier reports suggested that Posey had been involved in a car accident in Las Vegas.
While confirming that Posey actually died in her home state of Washington, Kennett said he was unable to comment on whether or not a vehicle was involved in her death.
A spokesperson for the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office declined to comment on the matter, telling The US Sun: “We are not releasing any information about that because it’s an active investigation.”
The Kailia Posey Teen Crisis Intervention Fund at the Whatcom Community Foundation has been created in honor of the girl. The fund aims to help other students in crisis.
Kailia attended her school’s prom just days before her death, according to Facebook posts from her family.
Her step-father, Steve Gatterman shared pictures of Kailia’s prom on April 30. He uploaded a gallery of images showing a beaming Posey standing alongside her step-brother Dane.
“Prom night for Kailia and Dane. A good looking group!,” the post caption reads.
Kailia wore a champagne-colored gown and posed for photos with friends.
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Gatterman, a football coach in the Lynden School District where Kailia attended school, was looking forward to the upcoming season following the news that Kailia was selected to the cheerleading team, he shared on Facebook.
“Dane will be on the field and Kailia will be performing on the sideline. It’s going to be a great season!”
