Who Was Kailia Posey? Everything About the Late 'Toddlers & Tiaras' Star

The US was once in love with a girl named Kalila Posey after she stunned many with her performance on "Toddlers and Tiaras," however she did not make it past her sweet 16.

Kalila Posey's death came as a surprise to many people when it was announced on Monday by her mother, Marcy Posey Gatterman, who requested that their family be given time to grieve. Her daughter had been 16.

The grieving mom took to her Facebook page to make the revelation, but she failed to disclose what had caused her demise. Many can still remember the gifted toddler who stole many hearts with her performance on TLC's hit show "Toddlers & Tiaras," but who was she when the cameras were not rolling.

WHO WAS KALILA POSEY?

Kalila Posey featured in some episodes of the TLC show, having made her debut in 2012 when she was just five years old. Her first episode was titled "California Tropic Arizona," but it was not the first time she faced the camera or the audience.

In an episode that aired in 2016, Kalila's mom confessed that she started taking part in pageants as young as three. The proud mother said: "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."

Her debut appearance on "Toddlers and Tiaras" was spectacular; however, even after the show ended, Kalila was never forgotten because a GIF of her grinning evilly for the confessional camera started circulating all over the internet.

"My name's Kaila, and I'm five years and a half," she had said as she introduced herself right before breaking into the ear-splitting smile.

After the show ended, Kalila remained active in the pageantry circles and had only recently squared up against other contestants at the just concluded Miss Washington Teen USA pageant, where she represented the city of Lynden.

Outside pageantry, she had kept up with her education and, according to her bio, had been a student of Lynden High School, and she even had her name on the Dean's List for the 2020-2021 school year. Her dream was to become a commercial pilot, and she had been aspiring to study aviation in college.

She has also grown a passion for body contortion and has opened an Instagram page solely dedicated to that. In Facebook posts shared by her mother, Kalila learned in April that she made the Lynden High Football Cheer team and got to attend prom, not knowing that she only had a few more days left to live.

WHAT WAS THE CAUSE OF KALILA POSEY'S DEATH?

While Kalila's mom has not revealed the cause of her death, she has honored her demise by updating her profile photo and cover image with a photo edited to make her look like an angel. According to People, the late girl would have graduated with honors next month, and none of them saw what happened to come.

Since she passed, the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office has confirmed an ongoing investigation and that there are multiple agencies involved.

Washington State Patrol Public Information Officer Trooper Jacob Kennett said in an interview with PEOPLE:

"Yesterday on May 2 at about 1:26 p.m., Washington State Patrol was called to assist Whatcom Sheriff's department to assist in a death investigation involving a minor at Birch Bay State Park."

Three days later, Kalila's family revealed to TMZ that even though she had been an accomplished teen with a promising future ahead, she had, for her reasons, chosen to take her own life in what they referred to as an "impetuous moment."

The announcement of her demise triggered an outpour of love and support from her fans and colleagues, and they all took to social media to send well wishes and mourn alongside Kalila's family. Many, including "America's Got Talent" competitor, Kadan Bart Rockett, shared their sympathies and prayed for the family she left behind as they dealt with the loss.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "help" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.