Toddler & Tiaras star Kailia Posey was "struggling" before she tragically died aged 16 by suicide, a friend has said.
The teenager, who became a popular meme from her childhood appearance on the reality show, passed away in Washington on Monday, just two weeks after her 16th birthday and attending her high school prom.
Now a friend close to Kailia has paid tribute, saying those closest to the teen did "everything" to try to help after noticing the teen was "struggling with a few things".
They told Page Six : "We knew she was struggling with a few things, and we all did everything we could to encourage her and help.
"We didn’t know what was going on."
The friend described the Toddler & Tiaras star as a "role model" who was a "big name in a lot of different places".
It comes after her family has released a heartbreaking statement to TMZ to confirm the cause of her death.
It read: "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 devastated family continued: "She won countless crowns and 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."
Kailia rose to fame on reality TV show Toddlers and Tiara, which followed youngsters and their parents as they competed in beauty pageants.
Her family has set up Kailia Posey Teen Crisis Intervention Fund in a bid to get 'much needed resources to students in crisis.'
Tributes to the teen poured in following the sad news.
Among those paying their respects was America's Got Talent magician Kadan Bart Rockett, who 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."
Another message from a pageant speaking coach who worked with her read: "I have experienced a lot 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."
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