Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Kailia Posey death: Toddlers & Tiaras star dies aged 16

Posey appeared on the US pageant reality series as a child, becoming known through a viral GIF

Louis Chilton
Wednesday 04 May 2022 01:44 EDT
‘Toddlers & Tiaras’ star Kailia Posey, winner of Miss Lyndon Teen USA 2021
‘Toddlers & Tiaras’ star Kailia Posey, winner of Miss Lyndon Teen USA 2021 (Kailia Posey via Instagram)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Kailia Posey, one of the stars of the US reality series Toddlers & Tiaras, has died at the age of 16.

The news was announced on Facebook by Posey’s mother, Marcy Posey Gatterman, who also featured in the series.

Toddlers & Tiaras aired on US TV network TLC and followed young children and their guardians as they competed in child beauty pageants.

“I don’t have words or any thoughts. A beautiful baby girl is gone,’ Gatterman wrote, alongside a picture of her daughter.

“Please give us privacy as we mourn the loss of Kailia. My baby forever.”

No cause of death was disclosed.

Posey began competing in beauty paegants at the age of three, rising to prominance through her role in Toddlers & Tiaras.

Posey, who turned 16 last week, was best known for a viral GIF taken from one of her appearances, in which she can be seen grinning mischeviously at the camera.

Tributes and condolences poured in on Facebook and on Posey’s Instagram page.

Among these were America’s Got Talent magician Kadan Bart Rockett, who wrote: “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. Rest In Peace.”

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in