Valerie Fairman, of MTV's '16 and Pregnant, Dies at 23

Variety.com reports that Valerie Fairman, who appeared on an episode of MTV's "16 and Pregnant," has passed away. Fairman appeared on the third episode of the MTV show's second season and the cause of her death is currently unknown. She was 23.

"We are saddened by the news of Valerie Fairman's passing," an MTV spokesperson said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time."

Born in Oxford, Penn., Fairman appeared on the show after BECOMING pregnant during her sophomore year of high school. Her struggle with substance abuse was documented on the show. In September 2009 she gave birth to a daughter, Nevaeh Lynn Fairman, who is now seven years old.

Other women who appeared on the show have chimed in to mourn the loss of Fairman. Chelsea DeBoer tweeted, "How incredibly sad. My heart goes out to her daughter and family." Jenelle Evans wrote, "Don't take life for granted. Hold your children and love them close."

16 and Pregnant was an American reality television series that aired from June 11, 2009 to July 1, 2014, on MTV. It followed the stories of pregnant teenage girls in high school dealing with the hardships of teenage pregnancy. Each episode featured a different teenage girl, with the episode typically beginning when she is ?4 1⁄2 - 8 months into her pregnancy. The episode typically ends when the baby is a few months old. 16 and Pregnant has spawned three spin-off series: Teen Mom, TEEN MOM 2 and TEEN MOM 3. Each series follows the lives of four girls from their respective season of 16 and Pregnant as they navigate their first years of motherhood.

PHOTO CREDIT: Valerie Fairman's Facebook Page