Kailia Posey, one of Toddlers & Tiaras’ kid stars, has died. She was 16 years old at the time.
Posey’s mother, Marcy Posey Gatterman, announced the death on Facebook.
“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.”
Marcy Posey Gatterman
Gatterman remained tight-lipped about her daughter’s death.
Posey was one of the kids on the TLC reality show, which followed families whose children competed in pageants.
Posey continued to compete in pageants as she grew older, posting photographs of her recent victories on her Instagram account.
She revealed her participation in Miss Washington Teen USA in January.
She also experimented in body contortion, which she demonstrated on Toddlers & Tiaras, and recently posted a video of herself shooting a bow and arrow with her feet while in a handstand.
A GIF of a five-year-old Posey grin from one of the Toddlers & Tiaras episodes has become one of the most popular on the internet and is still used today.
On her Instagram pages, fans and friends are posting memories and condolences.
“Can’t even believe this has happened. I’m praying for you guys to get through this. She always was so kind to all of us,” commented America’s Got Talent competitor Kadan Bart Rockett.
“Oh sweet Kailia my heart absolutely breaks for you. I will always remember you as the little feisty pageant girl that always made everyone laugh,” wrote another fan.