16 And Pregnant star Valerie Fairman is 'found dead of an overdose' aged just 23
Valerie Fairman was found dead on Wednesday after what is believed to be a drug overdose.The mother of one was just 23 and starred on MTV's hit show in 2010.
Friends and family confirmed the reality star's death on social media Thursday.
Valerie leaves behind seven-year-old Nevaeh - Heaven spelled backwards - who was in the care of the late star's adoptive mom.
Dailymail.com also understands that the former reality star was engaged, to local musician Russ Bosi.
MTV, the network behind Valerie's show, also confirmed her passing in a statement: 'We are saddened by the news of Valerie Fairman's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time.'
The Ashley was the first to report the MTV star's death after numerous family members took to social media to express their grief.
Valerie had long struggled with substance abuse issues.
The 16 And Pregnant star's mother told TMZ that on Wednesday Valerie was at a friend's house in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, when her pal became concerned she had not returned from the bathroom.
When the friend broke down the door, they found the 23-year-old unresponsive.
In audio of the paramedics dispatch, obtained by TMZ, EMS were sent to a possible 'cardiac arrest' and someone was doing CPR on scene.
However, the dispatcher changed the call to a 'possible DOA [Dead On Arrival]'and told paramedics they would need containers for needles.
While overdose is suspected, her exact cause of death will not be known until after an autopsy.
Valerie has struggled with drugs for some time and despite a reported rehab stay, had also found herself in trouble with the law.
In recent years, she had been arrested for assaulting her mother and prostitution.
Last Wednesday, the 23-year-old was arrested for resisting arrest and making a false identification to law enforcement.
According to the Parkesburg Borough Police Department, officers conducted a traffic stop and during the stop, Valerie provided a false name.
When police officers questioned this and identified her as Valerie, officers said she attempted to flee on foot.
'After a brief foot pursuit, Valerie Fairman, of Oxford, was taken into custody for resisting arrest and providing false identification to law enforcement. Valerie was arraigned in front of the Honorable Nancy Gill and released on $1,500 unsecured bail,' the report concluded.
Following her death, a woman identified as one of Valerie's sisters, took to Instagram to speak of her sad loss.
'My baby sister, my heart, my blood! Valerie you will forever be missed. I love you baby girl and I will always.'
David Pryce - who has previously said he is Valerie's ex and also the uncle of her child's father - took to Facebook to tell people, especially those who sell drugs, to change their ways.
He wrote: 'I will always miss you Valerie and I am want to tell anyone who is selling s**t to people to stop.
'We have lost too many loved ones to what you are doing and I am going to start taking care of it.'
Teen Mom stars - who were also on Valerie's second season of 16 And Pregnant - expressed their sadness after hearing news of her passing.
Jenelle Evans, who has also struggled with drug dependency, 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.
'This really upsets me... I told her to stay on track.'
Chelsea Houska tweeted, 'How incredibly sad. My heart goes out to her daughter and family. '
Valarie starred on MTV's 16 And Pregnant in 2010 after falling pregnant at just 15 to her then boyfriend Matt.
Their volatile relationship was followed during the second season of the series with Matt often claiming to not be the father of Valerie's daughter.
EmoticonEmoticon