‘Toddlers and Tiaras’ Star Kailia Posey Died by Suicide at 16

Kailia Posey, a former star of TLC’s Toddlers & Tiaras, has died. She was 16.

Posey’s mother confirmed her death in a May 2 Facebook post.

A day later, the family issued a statement to TMZ, saying the teenager took her own life.

“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 statement said.

Posey’s family included in the statement all of the things the teen accomplished in just sixteen years.

“She won countless crowns and trophies after competing on the pageant circuit her entire life,” they said. “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.”

In conjunction with the Whatcom Community Foundation, the family has set up a fund in Kailia’s name with the goal of providing resources to help other students in crisis.

Posey only appeared on one episode of reality series Toddlers & Tiaras about childhood beauty pageant contestants.

Still, she was one of the series’ most recognizable faces after her reaction in an interview became a popular gif online.

She continued to compete in pageants after her time on the show, and was an accomplished contortionist and performer.

Kailia passed away in Washington state, prompting authorities there to launch an investigation.

In her Monday Facebook post, Kailia’s mother, Marcy Posey Gatterman, said she is heartbroken.

“I don’t have words or any thoughts,” said Gatterman. “A beautiful baby girl is gone. Please give us privacy as we mourn the loss of Kailia. My baby forever.”