Toddlers and Tiaras star Kailia Posey has died aged 16, just days after attending her high school prom, her mother has said.

Ms Posey starred in the TLC reality series which ran from 2009 to 2013 and featured families who prepared their children to compete in beauty pageants.

She became a popular GIF when a clip of her ear-to-ear grin went viral.

Her mother, Marcy Posey Gatterman, posted on Facebook earlier on Tuesday : “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.”

On Sunday, Ms Gatterman had been posting pictures of Ms Posey in a floor-length sparkly dress as she attended prom.

Her cause of death has not been confirmed.

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Ms Posey continued to compete in pageants, most recently in Miss Washington Teen USA in February.

She grew into a keen interest in body contortion, even launching an Instagram dedicated to her hobby.

April Hatton, whose daughter Kayla appeared with Ms Posey on show, paid tribute to her online: “Still trying to wrap my head around what I woke up to this morning and what I have been reading throughout my feed! So much love for this girl is an understatement!

“First time we seen this cute little girl in her yellow tropical wear at California Tropics Tri-State I knew she would be something one day! Didn’t know who she was at the time. I will never forget that day.

“From Toddlers and Tiaras to teenagers, the girls became friends and created so many memories together growing up.”

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