Politics
Toddlers and Tiaras star Kailia Posey ‘took her own life’ at 16, say heartbroken family
TODDLERS and Tiaras star Kailia Posey took her own life at 16, reports say.
Kailia rose to fame on the popular TLC TV series Toddlers & Tiaras, which showcased young children preparing to compete in beauty pageants.
Kailia died at age 16, her family confirmedInstagram
TLCKailia rose to fame on the popular TLC show Toddlers and Tiaras[/caption]
“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 girl’s family told TMZ.
In addition to her successful career on the pageant circuit and as a contortionist, Kailia’s family also told the outlet she was recently selected to the cheerleading team at her high school for the upcoming year.
The 16-year-old had a love for aviation and planned to pursue a commercial pilot’s license while continuing her work in the entertainment industry, her family says.
Kailia’s mom confirmed her daughter’s shocking death on Facebook and wrote: “… I don’t have words or any thoughts. A beautiful baby girl is gone.”
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“Please give us privacy as we mourn the loss of Kailia. My baby forever.”
Kailia was pronounced dead in Birch Bay State Park, in Washington, at around 1.20pm on Monday, Washington State Patrol (WSP) Trooper Jacob Kennett confirmed.
The park is a 30-minute drive from Kailia’s home.
Kennett said WSP was summoned to the park at 1.26pm to assist the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office with a “juvenile death investigation.”
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Earlier reports suggested that Posey had been involved in a car accident in Las Vegas.
While confirming that Posey actually died in her home state of Washington, Kennett said he was unable to comment on whether or not a vehicle was involved in her death.
A spokesperson for the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office declined to comment on the matter, telling The US Sun: “We are not releasing any information about that because it’s an active investigation.”
The Kailia Posey Teen Crisis Intervention Fund at the Whatcom Community Foundation has been created in honor of the girl. The fund aims to help other students in crisis.
You’re not alone
SUICIDE is the 10th leading cause of death in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Leading Causes of Death Report from 2018.
There were “more than two and half times as many suicides” in the US than there were homicides, according to the report.
For people ages 10 and 34, suicide was the “second leading cause of death” and the fourth for individuals ages 35 to 54.
Suicide is a vital health concern in the U.S. It affects all genders, races and ages.
This is why The-Sun.com launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The campaign calls on readers to discuss their mental health issues with their family, friends and health professionals. We can all pitch in to help out others who may be suffering and help save lives.
If you are struggling to cope, you are not alone. There are many free and confidential programs in the US aimed to help those who are struggling with their mental health.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health problems, these organizations are here to provide support:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org, 1-800-273-TALK
Crisis Text Line, www.crisistextline.org, Text HOME to 741741
Veterans Crisis Hotline, www.veteranscrisisline.net, 1-800-273-8255
Trevor Project, www.thetrevorproject.org, 1-866-488-7386
More to follow…
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