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Hailey Merkt, a former contestant from Season 21 of The Bachelor, passed away at the age of 31 after bravely battling cancer, her family announced.
“It is with broken hearts we share that our beloved Hailey has passed away after a courageous fight for her life. Hailey faced this journey with unimaginable strength, grace, and selflessness,” her family shared in an emotional post on Instagram.
Hailey was known for her infectious humor and vibrant personality, and her loss has deeply affected those who knew her. “Her determination, courage, and will to live surpassed every timeline the doctors gave her, and she chose to spend her final moments surrounded by loved ones and doing what she cherished most with no regrets,” her family said following her death on July 26.
Her family also remembered her as someone who embraced life to the fullest. “She will be remembered as anything but boring, always hysterically funny, and as someone who lived fully in the present moment,” they added. “Hailey will be profoundly missed by all who knew her. Her laughter, her love, and her vibrant spirit have left an undeniable mark on our hearts.”
Despite the heartbreak, her family takes comfort in knowing the lasting impact she had on others. “While we grieve her loss, we find comfort in knowing that her spirit will live on in all the lives she touched. Rest in peace, Hailey,” they concluded.
Hailey had been open about her fight with leukemia, sharing her journey and reflections with her social media followers. According to a GoFundMe page started by her family, she had undergone a bone marrow transplant earlier this year. Doctors initially gave her nine months of cancer-free living, but just six weeks later, the leukemia cells returned aggressively.
Throughout her battle, Hailey remained positive, frequently sharing moments from her treatment on Instagram, along with lifestyle and fashion inspiration. In one October post, she captured a rare smile during treatment, writing, “A rare moment caught smiling during treatment :).”
Her family expressed deep gratitude for the support received throughout her cancer fight, encouraging those who knew her to share their memories. Many of her fellow contestants from Nick Viall’s season of The Bachelor shared tributes, mourning the loss of their friend.
Vanessa Grimaldi, the winner of that season, wrote: “Our beautiful girl!! 💔 This news broke me. You are such a light, your beautiful big smile will always be something I remember. Always. Rest easy, friend! 🤍🕊️ Sending big hugs to your loved ones xoxo.”
Danielle Maltby added, “I count myself so lucky to know your laugh and grateful to have met and loved the realest, warmest, most beautiful soul in the weirdest of places 🌹forever grateful for your friendship there and in the real world…. What a force my girl, rest easy 🤍 so much love to all your people.”
Dominique Alexis echoed similar sentiments, saying: “My love, I hope you are in the most beautiful peaceful place. I can’t imagine that I won’t see you again but I’ll cherish every memory together. Love you 💔.”
Raven Gates also shared her sadness: “Oh my gosh!!! I’m so so sad to hear this 😢 I was so hoping for her recovery. Rest easy, Hailey 🤍 you’ll never be forgotten.”
Per Hailey’s wishes, there will not be an official funeral. Her family hopes that those whose lives she touched will keep her memory alive through the moments they shared with her.
