Kailia Posey’s is gone too soon.
The former reality TV star of “Toddlers and Tiaras” fame passed away suddenly on Monday, May 2, in Washington.
Posey’s time on ‘T&T’ made her into one of the most GIF-able moments in reality TV television.
Kailia Posey Dies At 16-Years-Old
The “Grinning Girl” GIF has circulated thousands upon thousands of times on social media.
Her mother, Marcy Posey Gatterman, was the first to confirm the news of her daughter’s death on Facebook on Monday.
She 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.”
In an exclusive statement to TMZ, Posey’s family confirmed their daughter took her own life at the age of 16.
Kailia’s Family Mourns The Loss Of Her Life
“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’s statement read. “She won countless crowns and 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.”
Posey’s family also noted that their loved one had a passion for aviation. They explained she was going to continue working in entertainment while simultaneously studying to get her commercial pilot’s license.
Kailia Was An Aspiring Pilot
Many fans of Posey on Twitter shared their thoughts on the shining star gone too soon.
“Those eyes, that smile… she was one of. My fav gif firls, but she was more than that, so much more… and now she’s gone. I’m sad. We all are. Sending all. My love to Kailia Posey’s family. May she rest in peace,” one person tweeted.
Another shared the “Grinning Girl” GIF and wrote, “an icon is gone 💔 RIP #KailiaPosey.”
An advocate for mental health tweeted, “Sad to. hear about Kailia Posey, who took her own life aged 16. So many young people are battling mental health issues, and suicide. Is a byproduct of this. If you’re battling with thoughts of suicide or struggling with your mental health, please know help is available…”
Fans Are Devastated By Kailia’s Suicide
One person noted some other suicides that happened this week.
“Naomi Judd, toddlers and tiaras star Kailia Posey, a Wisconsin track star Sarah Schulze have all passed by suicide. All 3 women in different situations and stages in life were all dealing with mental illness. Mental illnesses do not care about your status or the money you make,” they wrote.
Posey’s family have set up a fund at the Whatcom Community Foundation called the “Kailia Posey Teen Crisis Intervention Fund.”
The fund’s website states, “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.”
Rest In Peace, Kailia Posey.
