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COATESVILLE, Pa., Dec. 22 (UPI) -- 16 & Pregnant star Valerie Fairman died Wednesday at age 23. The Chester County Coroner told E! News the cause of death is under investigation, although TMZ reported the MTV star died of an apparent drug overdose.
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Fairman's mom told TMZ the star was at a friend's home in Coatesville, Penn., when she went into the bathroom and didn't come out. The friend ultimately broke down the door and discovered Fairman unresponsive.
"We are saddened by the news of Valerie Fairman's passing," an MTV spokesperson told E! News. "Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time."
Fairman, who starred on 16 & Pregnant Season 2, had struggled with substance abuse for years, and was arrested for prostitution in 2015. She was taken in last week for resisting arrest and providing false ID to law enforcement, according to TMZ.
The MTV star leaves behind her 7-year-old daughter, Nevaeh Lynn Fairman, who is presently staying with her mother. Her 16 & Pregnant co-stars Chelsea Houska and Jenelle Evans, who now star on Teen Mom 2, were among those to react online to her death.
"How incredibly sad. My heart goes out to her daughter and family," Houska 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," Evans wrote. "Don't take life for granted. Hold your children and love them close."
