Here is some extremely sad news. On Thursday, after reportedly receiving confirmation from her family, TMZ reported 16 and Pregnant star Valerie Fairman died at the age of 23. TMZ reports Fairman's mother revealed her late daughter was found unresponsive in a bathroom at a friend's house in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. A spokesperson for MTV said in a statement released to Bustle, "We are saddened by the news of Valerie Fairman's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time."
TMZ also reports Fairman's death appears to be from an overdose, but a coroner is determining an exact cause of death through toxicology tests. E! News reports the Chester County Coroner said Fairman's death is under investigation and is conducting toxicology tests.
According to Us Weekly, Fairman struggled with substance abuse issues. In February 2015, People reported Fairman was also arrested for alleged prostitution in New Castle, Delaware alongside seven other women as part of a multi-agency prostitution sting. Per the state police (via People), the sting areas "were targeted in response to numerous citizen complaints of prostitution and other quality of life crimes that have been occurring." E! News reports police said each person arrested was given a criminal summons for later court date.
Former 16 and Pregnant stars have taken to Twitter expressing their condolences over Fairman's death. Chelsea Houska wrote, "How incredibly sad. My heart goes out to her daughter and family."
Jenelle Evans tweeted, "Oh my god. I just spoke to her a couple months ago and told her I'm proud of her and looks like she's doing good." She also tweeted, "This really upsets me. Thanks for letting me know. I told her to stay on track. Don't take life for granted. Hold your children and love them close."
Fairman has a 7-year-old daughter, Nevaeh Lynn Fairman. TMZ reports that Nevaeh is currently with Fairman's mother.
