Politics
Toddlers & Tiaras star Kailia Posey found hanged in Washington park as family confirm tragic suicide
THE cause of Toddlers & Tiaras star, Kailia Posey’s death at the young age of 16 has now been revealed to The Sun.
The teen beauty queen hanged herself at the state park where her body was found just a short distance from her family home.
Instagram/Kailia PoseyKailia Posey’s cause of death has been revealed as her family confirms that she took her own life[/caption]
TLCKailia was known for her time on Toddlers & Tiaras and became a popular meme[/caption]
Whatcom County Medical Examiner told The Sun the cause of death was due to hanging “and it’s a suicide.”
Her mother, Marcy Posey Gatterman, confirmed her daughter’s death on May 2, 2022, in an emotional Facebook post.
She asked for privacy for the family to mourn her death, adding: “My baby forever.”
In a later statement, her family told TMZ that the teen took her own life.
Her family reportedly told the outlet: “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.”
Kailia’s family has set up Kailia Posey Teen Crisis Intervention Fund with the goal of getting “much needed resources to students in crisis”.
Washington State Patrol (WSP) Trooper Jacob Kennett confirmed the 16-year-old beauty queen was pronounced dead in Birch Bay State Park, Washington, at around 1.20pm on Monday.
He did not comment on the cause of death or confirm whether alleged reports of a vehicle being involved were true.
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The teen’s death comes nearly two weeks after she celebrated her 16th birthday and her stepfather, Steven Gatterman, wrote a message on Facebook on April 19, 2022.
He wrote: “Happy Sweet 16 Kailia! You are beautiful inside and out. Your light shines bright everywhere you go. Have the best day!”
REALITY STAR
Kailia Posey is best known for starring in the reality show Toddlers & Tiaras and her mom trained her to be a contortionist as part of her talent.
In a clip from the show posted on YouTube, Gatterman said: “When Kailia was younger, when she was three, she started doing pageants.
“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.”
She continued: “Kailia has a very good talent.
“I mean, just completely amazing. I don’t know anybody that’s competition for Kailia.”
Kailia continued to compete in pageants as she got older and has also performed with Cirque du Soleil.
While she largely focused on her future in pageantry, the teen also ventured off into acting, playing Agnes in the Netflix horror movie Eli in 2018.
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
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