Best known for the American reality TV series, Kailia Posey who was just 16 years old, died by suicide in Washington, according to a statement made by the actress’s family members of Wednesday. Apart from the TV series, Posey was one of the most recognizable faces on the internet due to a GIF of her which is being widely used by users of online platforms.

At the start of the meme trend, her short appearance where she could be seen scrunching up her face and making a silly face became a popular GIF, dubbed the “Grinning Girl”

an icon is gone 💔 RIP #KailiaPosey pic.twitter.com/BQSupFgE2h

— GEO🔮 (@ge_est) May 4, 2022

“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”, said the actress’s family in a statement.

“She won countless crowns and trophies after competing on the pageant circuit her entire life. Her highly acclaimed talent as a contortionist had already led to professional touring job offers, and she had recently been selected to be a cheerleader at her high school next fall” the family further said.

On 3rd of May, Kailia’s mother Mercy Posey Gatterman had posted on Facebook “I don’t have words or any thoughts. A beautiful baby girl is gone. Please give us privacy as we mourn the loss of Kailia. My baby forever”

Steve Gattterman, faher of the teen, uploaded a post in his facebook saying “Members of the national media…please stop calling, texting, and messaging. Please stop bugging our friends and family. We have no further statement. Thank you” with a long note.

Best friend of Kailia uploaded a post in Instagram writing ” To my beautiful best friend,
I’ll love you forever and ever. You were an amazing, beautiful person inside and out. Words cannot explain how painful this is, not only to me but all of the people that love you. From the first day I met you I knew we were going to be best friends. You were such a bright and happy soul. I’m so thankful for you Kailia, you truly brought out the happiest side of me. You reminded me to always be kind no matter how hard it was. Taught me my first routine the night before the pageant. Rehearsed your lines before Ms. Teen Washington. “With an ambition to be flying in the sky as in Air Force pilot I am your teen Lynden USA Kailia Posey”. Took me on a cruise that brought so many memories for me. We went to Jamaica and found a cutie (shhh I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone). To our crazy tik toks we made. And shaking our booties for fun. I love you. I wish I could’ve done something. You are in my prayers. I will miss you forever and always. Rest in paradise Kailia Posey”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ʙɪᴀɴᴄʜᴀ🤍 (@bianchaa.a)

Kailia was pronounced dead in Birch Bay State Park in Washington on Monday around 1 : 20 pm, confirmed by Jacob Kennet, Washington State Patrol trooper. The teen’s family has set up a donation fund in her name to support others who are at risk of suicide.