Toddlers and Tiaras star Kailia Posey died after taking her own life, the family of the 16-year-old have confirmed
(Picture: Instagram)Former child star Kailia Posey died after taking her own life, her family has confirmed.
The 16-year-old beauty queen originally rose to fame in the TLC reality TV show Toddlers and Tiaras.
The popular series ran from 2009 to 2013 and featured families who prepared their children to compete in beauty pageants.
She also became a popular GIF when a clip of her massive grin went viral and was known as “grinning girl”.
She first began competing in beauty pageants when she was just three-year’s-old and recently competed for the Miss Washington Teen USA title in February.
The teen additionally performed contortion with Cirque du Soleil and played the role of Agnes in the 2018 Netflix film Eli.
Posey’s family said in a statement to US news outlet TMZ, saying: “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,” they said.
“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.”
Posey was discovered dead in a car in Birch Bay State Park, Washington, on Monday, according to reports.
The 194-acre park is a 30-minute drive away from her family’s home in Lynden, Washington.
She had just celebrated her 16th birthday on April 19 and attended her high school prom over the weekend.
Her mother, Marcy Posey Gatterman, initially confirmed her passing on social media, writing on Facebook: “I don’t have words or any thoughts. A beautiful baby girl is gone. Please give us privacy as we mourn the loss of Kailia. My baby forever”.
Her family have now set up the Kailia Posey Teen Crisis Intervention Fund in her name with the goal of providing “much needed resources to students in crisis”.
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.
