Hailey Merkt, a beloved contestant from Season 21 of “The Bachelor,” has sadly passed away at the age of 31 after a courageous battle with leukemia. Despite sharing hopeful news of being cancer-free following a transplant in April, Hailey experienced a recurrence of the disease.
Family and “Bachelor Nation” Pay Tribute
Following the news of her passing, Hailey Merkt’s family and “Bachelor Nation” alumni paid heartfelt tributes, celebrating her strength, humor, and zest for life. In an emotional Instagram post, her family wrote, “It is with broken hearts that we announce that our beloved Hailey has passed away after a courageous fight for her life.”
The tribute continued, “Hailey faced this journey with unimaginable strength, grace, and selflessness. Her determination, courage, and will to live exceeded every timeline given by doctors. She chose to spend her final moments surrounded by loved ones, doing what she loved most, with no regrets.”
“She will always be remembered as anything but boring, always extremely funny, and as someone who lived completely in the present moment. Hailey embraced life with unmatched enthusiasm; her beautiful spirit has touched countless lives.”
The family also expressed their gratitude to everyone who supported Hailey during her journey, inviting people to share their favorite memories of her, either through direct messages or by posting them online.
“Bachelor Nation” Alumni Remember Hailey
The sad news of Merkt’s passing was shared on Instagram in a heartfelt, lengthy message.
In the comments section of the post, fellow “Bachelor Nation” alumni paid tribute to Hailey, reflecting on her kind and vibrant personality. Raven Gates, a fellow contestant from Season 21, wrote, “OMG!!! I’m so sorry to hear this. I was so hoping for her recovery. Rest easy, Hailey, you will never be forgotten.”
Danielle Maltby, another contestant from the same season, added, “I feel so lucky to have known your laughter and am grateful to have met and loved the most genuine, warmest, most beautiful soul in the strangest of places. Forever grateful for your friendship out there and in the real world… Rest easy my girl, what strength. Lots of love to all your people.”
Dominique Alexis, also from “Bachelor Nation,” shared, “My love, I hope you’re in the most beautiful, peaceful place. I can’t imagine never getting to see you again, but I’ll cherish every memory. Love you.”
Fans Mourn the Loss
Fans of Hailey Merkt also shared their condolences and memories in her comments section. One fan wrote, “Hailey, you brought positivity and laughter to everyone you met. Rest in peace.” Another added, “Rest in peace, Hailey. You left so much light in this world, and I will treasure the memories we had together. Sending love to your family during this difficult time.”
A third person commented, “This is heartbreaking. Hailey, you were the most admirable warrior. Sending love and strength to your family and friends. Rest in peace, angel.”
Hailey’s Battle with Leukemia
Before her passing, Hailey documented her battle with leukemia online, sharing moments from her journey with her followers. In October, she posted, “A rare moment of smiling during treatment.”
In April, Hailey shared an optimistic update on her GoFundMe page, announcing she was cancer-free following a stem cell transplant from her brother, Kyle. She wrote, “I still have a lot to fix. My immune system will be similar to that of a newborn baby for up to 12 months after the transplant, so I will slowly and carefully get better day by day.” She added, “I will forever be grateful and in awe of my community, family, and friends. Despite facing a very difficult situation and suffering for a very long time, I am so grateful for the love and selflessness of everyone who supported me.”
Remembering Hailey
After Hailey’s passing, an update on her GoFundMe page detailed her final moments and the recurrence of her leukemia. The organizer, Christopher Bennett, wrote, “After a bone marrow transplant, she was told she had nine months to think the cancer was gone, but she actually only had six weeks left before she received the terrifying news that the leukemia cells had returned and were growing rapidly.”
He added, “I am so impressed with her. She had so much clarity, independence, and grace. She chose to live every last moment to the fullest: being with the people she loved and doing the things she loved.”
Hailey’s GoFundMe page will remain open until August 10, with funds raised going to help with the remaining costs that have placed an increased burden on Hailey’s mother and family.
