Kailia Posey's Family Reveals The Toddlers & Tiaras Star's Tragic Cause Of Death
"Toddlers & Tiaras" star Kailia Posey shared her final Instagram post on April 23. Now, the comments section underneath reads as a virtual condolence book. "Thank you for being someone to look up to Kailia. Rest in peace," one commenter wrote under a photo of the teen grinning while posing on a flight of stairs. "Fly high baby girl. You are you so loved," another added. Those are just two of thousands of comments that now accompany the photo.
Posey, who was one of the most recognizable faces from the former TLC child pageant show, died at just 16 years old. Her mother Marcy Posey Gatterman confirmed the news of her heartbreaking death via Facebook on May 2. "I don't have words or any thoughts. A beautiful baby girl is gone," she wrote "Please give us privacy as we mourn the loss of Kailia. My baby forever."
Just a day after her mother made the tragic announcement, Posey's cause of death was revealed.
Kailia Posey's family said she died by suicide
Kailia Posey's family told TMZ that the young teenager died by suicide. "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," a representative of the family told the outlet.
At just 16, Posey racked up one pageant crown after another. Earlier this year she competed in Miss Washington Teen USA. "I am so excited," she wrote alongside an announcement post on Instagram. The teen's family told TMZ that she also had a blossoming career a contortionist and dreamt of one day becoming a pilot.
Posey's family memorialized her life by partnering with Whatcom Community Foundation to create the Kailia Posey Teen Crisis Intervention Fund. "Your gift to the Kailia Posey Teen Crisis Intervention Fund will help get much needed resources to students in crisis," a note on the donation page reads. "Thank you for honoring Kailia's short, beautiful life by helping other young people."
Rest in peace, Kailia.
If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).