“Toddlers and Tiara’s” star Kailia Posey has taken her life at the age of 16.
Posey’s family made a statement to TMZ confirming the news, “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 child star’s rise to fame started when she appeared on the popular TLC show in 2012 when she was five years old, according to The Sun.
A GIF of her from the TV show went viral and was referred to as “Grinning Girl.” She recreated it in a YouTube video in 2019.
Posey’s family also shared with TMZ all of her accomplishments that she had achieved and what her plans were for the future, which was to get a commercial pilot license.
“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,” her family said.
In a statement posted to her Facebook page, Marcy Posey Gatterman, Kailia Posey’s mother, shared her grief writing, “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.”
The teenager’s family started a fund at Whatcom Community Foundation in her name, to “help get much needed resources to students in crisis.”
When we are going through grief and tragedy, we can be reminded that Psalm 34:18 says, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
“Thank you for honoring Kailia’s short, beautiful life by helping other young people,” her family wrote.
Posey had just celebrated her sweet 16 and attended prom just days before her death according to The Sun.