The grieving family of Toddlers and Tiaras star Kailia Posey has revealed that the 16-year-old died by suicide.
According to reports, Kailia’s body was found earlier this week and an investigation into her death was promptly launched.
Speaking to TMZ, though, the teenager’s family appeared to confirm that Kailia’s passing had come as a result of suicide, saying that she made “rash decisions.”
In a statement, her family said: “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.
“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.”
Reports state that Kailia, of Washington state, was found deceased on Monday, May 2. Jacob Kennett, a trooper with the Washington State Patrol, said that the teenager had been pronounced dead at around 1:20 p.m. in Birch Bay State Park.
Kailia was known to many as a star of the TLC reality series Toddlers and Tiaras, which ran from 2009 to 2013. The show covered the lives of the families of young children traveling the US to compete in various beauty pageants.
Posey was particularly well known from the series after a camera shot of her excited face was turned into a GIF which subsequently went viral online.
The teen’s death occurred just days after she attended her high school prom. Her mother shared a photo of Kailia from that event dressed in an elegant gown.
The caption read: “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.”
Kailia’s family explained that the 16-year-old had dreams of obtaining a commercial pilot’s license and that she wanted to “work in the entertainment industry”.
Such tragic news. Rest in peace, Kailia Posey.
Our thoughts go out to the family of this talented young woman. Please, share this article on Facebook to send thoughts and prayers where they’re needed.
