Revealed
'ENDED HER EARTHLY LIFE'
Toddlers & Tiaras’ Kailia Posey dies by suicide – days after TLC star, 16, attended prom, heartbroken family confirm
TODDLERS & Tiaras star Kailia Posey died by suicide at age 16 in a "rash decision to end her earthly life," her heartbroken family has reportedly confirmed.
The tragic update came on Tuesday night, a day after the TV star's mother shared the initial news of the beloved teen's untimely death.
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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 .
In addition to her successful career on the pageant circuit and as a contortionist, Kailia's family told the outlet that she was selected for the cheerleading team at her high school for the upcoming year.
The 16-year-old also had a love for aviation and planned to pursue a commercial pilot's license while continuing her work in the entertainment industry, the family said.
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Kailia's mom confirmed her daughter's shocking death on Facebook on Monday, writing: "... 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."
DEATH INVESTIGATION
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 to The US Sun.
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."
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Earlier reports suggested that Posey had been involved in a car accident in Las Vegas before her family revealed her cause of death on Tuesday night.
While confirming that Posey actually died in her home state of Washington, Trooper Kennett said he was unable to comment further.
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 at the Whatcom Community Foundation has been created in honor of the girl. The fund aims to help students in crisis.
KAILIA'S LAST POSTS
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.
Kailia wore a champagne-colored gown and posed for photos with friends.
"Prom night for Kailia and Dane. A good-looking group!," the post caption reads.
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!"
On April 20, Kailia took to her to celebrate her milestone birthday.
In a gallery post, she shared photos with friends and her family alongside some birthday-themed emojis and hashtags such as: #birthdaygirl #bestfriend #fundays #dinner #washington and #feelinggood.
Kailia's friends took to the comment section to wish her a happy birthday.
One Instagram user wrote: "super sweet sixteen Kai"
TRIBUTES BY FANS
Many of Kailia's fans took to her Instagram to share their condolences, including one person who wrote: "Thank you for being someone to look up to Kailia. Rest in peace."
Another said: "You’ll be missed. Rest easy pretty girl," as one included: "My heart is absolutely shattered. I love and miss you forever... fly high Kailia."
Kailia's Instagram showed the TV star posing with friends as well as doing contortion.
"Great contortion class today, learning new skills is a great filling thank you," she wrote alongside a of her in action.
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In a throwback scene from Toddlers & Tiaras, Kailia's mom described her then 10-year-old daughter as a "cuddling puppy and a spicy little monkey."
She continued: "When Kailia was younger, and she was three, she started doing pageants and she's a pro when she hits that stage."
You're not alone
SUICIDE is the 10th leading cause of death in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Leading Causes of Death Report from 2018.
There were "more than two and half times as many suicides" in the US than there were homicides, according to the .
For people ages 10 and 34, suicide was the "second leading cause of death" and the fourth for individuals ages 35 to 54.
Suicide is a vital health concern in the U.S. It affects all genders, races and ages.
This is why The-Sun.com launched the You're Not Alone campaign.
The campaign calls on readers to discuss their mental health issues with their family, friends and health professionals. We can all pitch in to help out others who may be suffering and help save lives.
If you are struggling to cope, you are not alone. There are many free and confidential programs in the US aimed to help those who are struggling with their mental health.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health problems, these organizations are here to provide support:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, , 1-800-273-TALK
- Crisis Text Line, , Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Hotline, , 1-800-273-8255
- Trevor Project, , 1-866-488-7386
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