Featured Image Credit: TLC. Kailia Posey/Instagram.
Topics: Mental Health
Stewart Perrie
Toddlers And Tiaras Star Kailia Posey died by suicide, according to her devastated family.
The 16-year-old's body was discovered by authorities earlier this week and an investigation has been underway into what caused her death.
Her family has told TMZ they are devastated by the tragic revelation.
"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 family said in a statement.
"She won countless crowns & trophies after competing on the pageant circuit her entire life.
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"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."
The family explained how Kailia wanted to get her commercial pilot's license and had plans to 'work in the entertainment industry'.
The Washington state teen was found dead on Monday (May 2), with her mother Marcy Posey Gatterman confirming the news no parent ever wants to have to share.
Washington State Patrol (WSP) Trooper Jacob Kennett revealed the Toddlers & Tiaras star was pronounced dead at around 1.20pm in Birch Bay State Park.
The State Trooper said his team was called to assist the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office with a 'juvenile death investigation', according to news.com.au.
The teen's tragic death comes only days after she attended her school prom, with her mother sharing photos of Posey all glammed up before her big night.
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As well as still being active on the pageant circuit, the teen was a freshman at Lynden High School and had recently joined the school's cheerleading squad.
The team shared a series of pictures on Instagram following Posey's death, including one with the 16-year-old wearing cartoon wings and with a halo above her head.
The team shared two quotes with the images.
The first read: "Please stay. The world is better with you in it."
The second read: "Speaking a few kind words might be the most important thing you will do today."
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Posey was a young star on TLC reality series Toddlers & Tiaras, which ran from 2009 to 2013.
The show took a look into the lives of families who prepared their small children to compete in beauty pageants.
She was immortalised into pop culture after her excited face was captured by the cameras and turned into a GIF.