In a heartbreaking turn of events, the world lost a bright and vibrant soul.
Hailey Merkt, who first captured hearts as a contestant on The Bachelor in 2017, has died at the age of 31 after a courageous and long battle with leukemia.
Her death stunned many as the reality of her struggle was known to all who followed her journey. In a post shared on her personal Instagram, the news of her death was confirmed, with family members expressing their grief at the loss of such a beloved and inspirational person.
Hailey’s story touched the lives of many people and her journey through the highs and lows of her illness still resonates with those who admired her strength.
Former BA student Hailey Merkt has died aged 31 after a long battle with leukemia.
After she died, a social media post on her own Instagram profile confirmed her death.
The post said Hailey had died and attached a picture of her.
“It is with broken hearts that we share that our beloved Hailey has passed away after a courageous fight for her life,” the note read.
“Hailey walked this journey with unfathomable courage, generosity, and selflessness. Every deadline the doctors set for her was met with her courage, tenacity, and will to live. She made the ruthless decision to spend her last hours doing what she loved most.” surrounded by loved ones.
“Highly entertaining, never boring, and fully present in the moment,” is how Hailey characterized the post.
“Hailey embraced life with unprecedented gusto; her beautiful spirit touched countless lives,” the caption read.
The post went on to say that “Hailey will be deeply missed by all who knew her.” Her love, humor, and bubbly personality will never be forgotten. Although we are saddened by her passing, we find comfort in knowing that her spirit will live on in all those she touched. “Rest in peace, Hailey.
Hailey’s grieving family has set up a GoFundMe to help them through this difficult time.
The campaign page has raised over C$112,208 and will remain active until August 10th.
In Season 21 of The Bachelor (2017), Hailey made her debut as a contestant for Nick Viall’s affections.
She was eliminated in the second week of the competition.
Remembering Hailey
“I’m so happy to know your laugh and grateful to have met the kindest and most wonderful person in the strangest of places.” I truly value our friendship, both in person and online. Don’t worry about how strong she is, girl. Danielle Maltby, a contestant on the same season of The Bachelor, commented on the post about her passing saying: “So much love to all your people.”
“Oh my god! I’m so sorry to hear that. I honestly hoped she would get better soon. Hailey, you can rest now. Raven Gates wrote: “I will always remember you.
“I am lucky to have met such a beautiful unbreakable soul and had such beautiful conversations with her.” According to Ashley Stern: “I will never forget you, Hailey.”
“I hope you are in a beautiful, peaceful place, my love. I will cherish every memory even though I can’t believe I won’t see you again,” wrote Dominique Alexis.
Battle for Hailey
Hailey has publicly discussed her battle with leukemia online.
She declared herself “leukemia-free” in April, inspiring her followers.
However, things took a turn for the worse three months later.
“After her bone marrow transplant, she was told she had nine months to not even think about cancer, but in reality, she only had 6 weeks before she got the terrible news that the leukemia cells were back and moving fast,” he wrote to her. The GoFundMe page said.
“Her first reaction was to say, ‘I don’t care about myself anymore, but I can’t bear to cause so much pain to the people I love.’
Hailey shared videos and pictures of her victories and setbacks during her battle with cancer.
In October 2023, she shared a photo of herself smiling during therapy, describing it as “a rare moment”.
Her feed was full of modeling photos, selfies, pictures of puppies, and sporadic glimpses into her daily life before she shared it.
Hailey Merkt’s passing at the young age of 31 has left a deep void in the hearts of those who knew her. Her courage, spirit, and infectious zest for life served as an inspiration to many, and her loss is felt by both her loved ones and fans who followed her journey on The Bachelor. Throughout her ongoing battle with leukemia, Hailey has remained open and honest, sharing her triumphs and struggles with grace. Marked by her strength, kindness, and unwavering will to live, her legacy will continue to resonate with all who were fortunate enough to know her. Rest in peace, Hailey. Your spirit lives on in every life you touch.