Kailia Posey's Family Opens Up About The Reality Star's Devastating Death
Warning: The following article includes content about suicide.
The news of the heartbreaking death of "Toddlers and Tiaras" star Kailia Posey upset people all over the world, including fans, family, and friends. According to the Daily Mail, Posey died not long after celebrating coming-of-age events such as her 16th birthday and high school prom. Her family responded to the tragic news with a statement to TMZ. "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 aforementioned accomplishments were vast. IMDb noted that she made her way into the reality TV world at a very young age, appearing in more than 20 episodes of "Toddlers & Tiaras," which centered around young pageant stars. She also acted in a scary movie called "Eli" about a boy being treated for an auto-immune disorder who faces a dangerous living situation. A source close to Posey told Page Six that she was a "big name in a lot of different places" and served as a "role model."
In the days since the news broke, the sheriff's office has released further details surrounding Posey's tragic cause of death, and family members have taken to social media to express their sadness and shock.
Kailia Posey's family is in mourning
While Kailia Posey's family had previously announced that she died via suicide, the Whatcom County Medical Examiner has said the teen died "from asphyxia due to ligature strangulation in her car," as reported by Page Six. The local sheriff's office also told the outlet they would be withholding the specifics of the record as they would be "highly offensive" and "not of legitimate concern to the public, and therefore would violate the right to privacy."
In a Facebook post on May 2, the reality TV star's mother, Marcy Posey Gatterman, wrote: "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." Posey's father, Steve Gatterman, also took to Facebook to announce that there will be a "celebration of life" for the beloved teen on Saturday, May 14. The event will take place in Lynden, Washington, and will be live-streamed. Furthermore, her family created the Kailia Posey Teen Crisis Intervention Fund. The website reads: "Your gift to the Kailia Posey Teen Crisis Intervention Fund will help get much-needed resources to students in crisis."
If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).