Toddlers and Tiaras star Kailia Posey has died at the age of 16 following reports of an “incident in Las Vegas”.

The teen’s tragic death has been announced by her heartbroken mum Marcy Posey Gatterman on Facebook.

She wrote: “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.”

The Toddlers and Tiaras star had appeared on the popular TLC show, which sees children competing against one another in beauty pageants, during its run from 2009 to 2013.

Kailia looked to still be involved in competing in the pageant world, judging by her Instagram page which displays several photos of the beauty competitor in winning sashes from various events held across America.

The teenager’s cause of death is yet to be confirmed however there are reports of an incident having occurred in Las Vegas where the TV star is said to have died.

Only a week ago, Kailia had celebrated her 16th birthday and was seen in a snap shared on social media with friends and family members marking her special day with a trip outdoors exploring Washington state.

The pageant star was described by mum Marcy when she appeared on Toddlers and Tiaras aged 10 as a “cuddly puppy” and “spicy little monkey” as she explained that the young girl had begun entering beauty competitions at just three years old.

Following the shocking announcement of the pageant star’s death, a tribute has come forward from a pageant speaking coach who was close to the teenager who wrote: “I have experienced alot of loss in my life, but this one stings differently.

“Kailia was one the funnest and funniest young ladies that I have ever worked with in my coaching career.

“We just exchanged some fun messages recently and she seemed up in spirits. She had such an open care free spirit that had to caught fire everywhere that she went.”

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America’s Got Talent magician Kadan Bart Rockett also commented on Kailia’s last Instagram post shared last month: ‘”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.”

Fans have flocked to Instagram to share their condolences after hearing the news of Kailia’s death, as one person wrote: “Thank you for being someone to look up to Kailia. Rest in peace.”

“You’ll be missed. Rest easy pretty girl,” another distraught fan commented as someone else included: “My heart is absolutely shattered. I love and miss you forever… fly high Kailia.”

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