Kailia Posey, who starred in Toddlers and Tiaras, has tragically died, her mum has confirmed in a Facebook post. The teenager celebrated her 16th birthday just last week.
In a post shared online, she wrote: "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." The cause of Kailia's death was not mentioned.
Kailia shot to fame as a youngster on TV programme Toddlers and Tiaras. The show followed young children and their parents as they competed in beauty pageants.
Tributes to the teenager have flooded in on social media. One from a pageant speaking coach who worked with her read: "I have experienced alot of loss in my life, but this one stings differently. Kailia was one the funnest and funniest young ladies that I have ever worked with in my coaching career.
"We just exchanged some fun messages recently and she seemed up in spirits. She had such an open care free spirit that had to caught fire everywhere that she went."
America's Got Talent magician Kadan Bart Rockett shared under one of Kailia's Instagram posts from April: "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. Rest In Peace."
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