Valerie Fairman (@uuknoiit/Twitter)
“16 and Pregnant” star Valerie Fairman, 23, was found dead of an apparent drug overdose in the bathroom of a friend’s house on Wednesday, Dec. 21, TMZ has reported.
An EMS call initially speculated a heart attack was to blame, but the dispatcher later changed it to a “possible DOA” once first responders arrived at the Coatesville, Pennsylvania, home where Fairman’s body was discovered. The dispatcher also told paramedics to take a “container for needles” with them.
The victim’s mother, Janice Fairman, told TMZ that the friend, whom she didn’t know, broke down a locked bathroom door when her daughter didn’t come out on her own. That’s when the friend found the unresponsive reality star, who was featured on the second season of the hit MTV series.
Toxicology tests are being conducted to determine the exact cause of death, but Janice Fairman told TMZ Tuesday that her daughter has struggled with drug addiction for years. However, she said they spoke last week and Valerie seemed “very good.”
Janice Fairman said her daughter sought treatment at five different rehab centers over the past five years but never stuck with a program. Her last attempt came after she served time for a probation violation earlier this year, said Fairman, who is now caring for her 7-year-old granddaughter, Nevaeh.
In a statement, MTV told People, “We are saddened by the news of Valerie Fairman’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time.”
On Twitter, other stars of “16 and Pregnant” mourned the loss.
Jenelle Evans, who also has struggled with drug abuse and faced jail time herself, reflected on motherhood.
Don't take life for granted. Hold your children and love them close. 😞
— Jenelle Evans (@PBandJenelley_1) December 22, 2016
“Teen Mom 2’s” Chelsea DeBoer kept the Fairmans in her thoughts.
How incredibly sad. My heart goes out to her daughter and family. https://t.co/O9XGLvpC1u
— Chelsea DeBoer (@ChelseaHouska) December 22, 2016
Kail Lowry, who is appearing on the upcoming season of “Teen Mom 2,” also shared her sympathy.
https://twitter.com/KailLowry/status/811924874327453696
Viewers of the reality series gave their support, as well. Aulisha G. Johnson said she and Fairman had something in common.
@TheAshleysRR i always rooted for her , we both have a daughter named Nevaeh , prayers for her daughter and family 🙏🏽🙏🏽
— Aulisha G Johnson (@leashaa23) December 22, 2016
Lynnette sent prayers for the family.
RIP valerie 😢😢😢😢😢😢 prayers to her family and babygirl nevaeh #TeenMom #16andpregnant #MTV @MTV thanks for lettin us know 💔💔💔💔
— shorty 🇩🇴 (@sweetlove015) December 22, 2016
Annie remarked on how much progress the late mother had made.
Oh no! I liked her a lot. She overcame so much.
⚡️
“16 and Pregnant Star Valerie Fairman has died ”https://t.co/qa26AR0AJc— the golden flow to top it off (@annielkozak) December 22, 2016
