“Toddlers & Tiaras” star Kailia Posey reportedly died by suicide.
Posey’s family revealed the tragic cause of death in a Tuesday statement to TMZ – a day after news broke the 16-year-old had died.
“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 family told the outlet.
Posey’s mom, Marcy Posey Gatterman, initially shared the heartbreaking news of the teen’s death in a Monday night Facebook post.
“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.”
Gatterman had posted photos of Posey attending prom just a few days prior to her death.
Posey was a young star on the TLC reality series, which ran from 2009 to 2013 and featured families who prepared their children to compete in beauty pageants. She became a popular GIF when her evil grin went viral.
In January, Posey announced on Instagram that she was gearing up to compete as Miss Washington Teen USA in February.
