‘Toddlers & Tiaras’ Star Kailia Posey Dies | She Just Celebrated Her 16th Birthday

Trigger Warning: This story mentions suicide that may be disturbing to readers. 

After the news of Toddlers & Tiaras alum Kailia Posey's death, best friend Biancha shared a heartbreaking tribute to Posey. 

"To my beautiful best friend, I'll love you forever and ever," Biancha captioned the post with a bunch of throwback photos and videos of the two together, per E!News. "You were an amazing, beautiful person inside and out. Words cannot explain how painful this is, not only to me but all of the people that love you."

"From the first day I met you I knew we were going to be best friends. You were such a bright and happy soul. I’m so thankful for you Kailia, you truly brought out the happiest side of me. You reminded me to always be kind no matter how hard it was," she continued.

"Taught me my first routine the night before the pageant. Rehearsed your lines before Ms. Teen Washington. 'With an ambition to be flying in the sky as in Air Force pilot I am your teen Lynden USA Kailia Posey'. Took me on a cruise that brought so many memories for me. We went to Jamaica and found a cutie (shhh I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone). To our crazy tik toks we made. And shaking our booties for fun. I love you."

"I wish I could’ve done something. You are in my prayers. I will miss you forever and always. Rest in paradise Kailia Posey," Biancha concluded her emotional post. 

Posey’s mother, Marcy Posey Gatterman, shared the news via Facebook on May 2, 2022 announcing the tragic loss. "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," wrote the heartbroken mother, alongside a photo of the teen. 

Initially, per ET Online, details surrounding Kailia’s death were not released, but a report by TMZ states that she died by suicide. The reality TV star's death comes after she celebrated her 16th birthday on April 20.

"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," Posey's family told TMZ. 

Meanwhile, a fund has been set up by Posey's family, at the Whatcom Community Foundation in her name with the goal of providing resources to help students in crisis. "Your gift to the Kailia Posey Teen Crisis Intervention Fund will help get much-needed resources to students in crisis. Thank you for honoring Kailia’s short, beautiful life by helping other young people," reads the description. 

Toddlers & Tiaras ran on TLC from 2009 to 2013. During her time on the show, Posey appeared with her mom, who helped her showcase her skills as a contortionist. "When Kailia was younger, when she was 3, she started doing pageants," Marcy said in a clip from the show, posted to YouTube. "She's a pro when she hits that stage, she'll say she's nervous but once she hits that stage she's a pro. She's gonna beat you, every time."

"Kailia has a very good talent," Marcy continued. "I mean, just completely amazing. I don't know anybody that's competition for Kailia."

Rest in peace, Kailia Posey, you will definitely be missed. 

If you are having thoughts about taking your own life, or know of anyone who is, please contact The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)

References:

https://www.eonline.com/news/1329514/toddlers-tiaras-star-kailia-posey-honored-by-best-friend-after-her-death

https://www.instagram.com/p/CdFWlt6sZao/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.facebook.com/MKDeliz/posts/10227114936530431

https://www.etonline.com/kailia-posey-toddlers-tiaras-star-dead-at-16-183444

https://www.tmz.com/2022/05/03/toddlers-and-tiaras-star-kailia-posey-died-by-suicide-family-says/

https://wcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create?funit_id=3608

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hAfkpQRiBE

Cover Image Source: Instagram | @kailiaposey