Police in Washington have launched an investigation after Toddlers and Tiaras star Kailia Posey died.
The teen, who was just 16, died on Monday (May 2), with her mother Marcy Posey Gatterman confirming the news no parent ever wants to have to share.
"I don’t have words or any thoughts. A beautiful baby girl is gone," Posey Gatterman said on Facebook.
"Please give us privacy as we mourn the loss of Kailia. My baby forever."
Washington State Patrol (WSP) Trooper Jacob Kennett confirmed the Toddlers & Tiaras star was pronounced dead at around 1.20pm in Birch Bay State Park.
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The State Trooper said his team was called to assist the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office with a 'juvenile death investigation', according to news.com.au.
Neither the authorities or her family have revealed a cause of death.
The Whatcom County Medical Examiner's office is currently investigating the circumstances that led-up to her death.
The teen's tragic death comes only days after she attended her school prom, with her mother sharing photos of Posey all glammed up before her big night.
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She had also recently turned 16 on April 19, according to social media posts by friends and family.
As well as still being active on the pageant circuit, the teen was a freshman at Lynden High School and had recently joined the school's cheerleading squad.
The team shared a series of pictures on Instagram following Posey's death, including one with the 16-year-old wearing cartoon wings and with a halo above her head.
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The team shared two quotes with the images.
The first read: "Please stay. The world is better with you in it."
The second read: "Speaking a few kind words might be the most important thing you will do today."
Fans on social media have flooded Posey's accounts to express their sadness and sympathies for the teen and her family.
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One posted: "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."
A second added: "Rest easy sweet girl."
A third said: "God has gained a beautiful angel."
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Posey was a young star on TLC reality series Toddlers & Tiaras, which ran from 2009 to 2013.
The show took a look into the lives of families who prepared their small children to compete in beauty pageants.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Rachel Lang