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Kailia Posey Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated September 29, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth19 April 2006

Age16 (at time of death)

BirthplaceWashington, US

ProfessionModel and Actor

NationalityAmerican

FamilyMother: Marcy Posey Gatterman; Stepfather: Steve Gatterman; Brothers: Kyle Dale, Kai, Dane

Kailia Posey Biography

Kailia Posey was an American model and actress who gained widespread recognition as a child after appearing on the reality television series Toddlers & Tia

Early life and background

Kailia Posey was born on April 19, 2006, in Washington, United States. Raised in Washington, she attended Lynden High School. Her mother was Marcy Posey Gatterman and her stepfather was Steve Gatterman. Kailia had three brothers: Kyle Dale, Kai, and a half brother named Dane.

Career

Kailia first entered the public eye as a child contestant on the reality television series Toddlers & Tiaras in 2012. A short clip of her smiling from that appearance became widely circulated online and increased her visibility on social media.

Building on that early exposure, she worked as a model and participated in beauty pageants. Her pageant activity included competitions such as Noty/Soty and Mega Ultimate Grand Supreme. In 2022 she competed in Miss Washington Teen USA at the Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center and finished as second runner-up, earning the title Miss Lynden Teen US.

Her performance background also included contortion training during childhood. She took part in contortion competitions and performed with the entertainment company Cirque du Soleil. Kailia appeared in print advertising, including a campaign for the soft drink brand Fanta.

In addition to modeling and pageants, she had acting credits. In 2019 she appeared in the horror film Eli, portraying the character Agnes Thorne.

Public profile

Physically, Kailia was listed at approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall (about 165 cm) with brown hair and hazel green eyes. Published profiles noted approximate measurements and a listed weight of roughly 55 kg (110 lbs).

Kailia expressed interests beyond performing. She had stated a desire to study aviation in college and to pursue a career as a commercial pilot.

Death and remembrance

Kailia Posey died on May 2, 2022, at Birch Bay State Park in Washington. She was 16 years old. Her mother publicly announced the death on social media and asked for privacy while the family mourned. Reports provided to the public listed the cause of death as suicide.

Latest updates

In the months before her death, Kailia’s public activity included competing in Miss Washington Teen USA in 2022 and maintaining an Instagram account where she shared updates. Following her passing, public notices and news sources reported on the circumstances and the family’s request for privacy as they grieved.

Legacy

Kailia Posey is remembered for the smile that made her a viral presence from a young age, for her work in pageants, modeling and acting, and for the interests she planned to pursue as she grew older. Her passing prompted public attention and expressions of sympathy from those who had followed her career and social media presence.
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Recent Work

Eli

Played the role of Agnes Thorne in the 2019 horror film.

2019
Miss Washington Teen USA

Competed in the 2022 pageant and finished as second runner-up, receiving the title Miss Lynden Teen US.

2022
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Career Highlights

  1. Became widely recognized after appearing on Toddlers & Tiaras (2012).
  2. Acted in the film Eli (2019) as Agnes Thorne.
  3. Performed contortion with Cirque du Soleil and competed in national pageants.
  4. Finished as second runner-up at Miss Washington Teen USA 2022, earning Miss Lynden Teen US.
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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Kailia Posey born?

19 April 2006

What is Kailia Posey known for?

Model and Actor