Tributes Pour In For Toddlers And Tiaras Star Kailia Posey Following Death By Suicide

The family of 16-year-old Kailia Posey have spoken out following her devastating passing on Monday afternoon.

Kailia was best known for her appearance on TLC's reality series Toddlers and Tiaras, which eventually made her the face of the viral 'grinning girl' GIF online.

After Toddlers and Tiaras moment of fame, Kailia went on to compete in a number of pageants, including Miss Washington Teen USA in February 2022.

TLC)

It was Kailia's mother Marcy Posey Gatterman who broke the devastating news of her passing in a heartbreaking post to Facebook this week, which 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."

Just days before her passing, Ms Posey Gatterman, had posted photos to Facebook of Kailia in a stunning gown as she attended her high school prom.

Kailia's family has since issued a statement to TMZ on their daughter's death, confirming that she sadly took her own life on Monday afternoon in Washington.

Instagram)

The statement read: "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."

Kailia's family also revealed that she had planned to pursue her love for aviation and obtain her commercial pilots license while she continued to work in the entertainment industry.

A fund has been set up in Kailia's name at the Whatcom Community Foundation in the hopes of providing resources to help students in crisis.

You can contribute to the fund here.

If you have been affected by the contents of this article or are struggling in any way call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.

Topics: Celebrity, News

Ali Condon

Ali is a journalist for LADbible Group, writing on all things film, music, and entertainment across Tyla, LADbible and UNILAD. You can contact Ali at [email protected].

@alicondon