In a heartbreaking revelation, Hailey Merkt, known for her appearance on season 21 of “The Bachelor,” has passed away at the age of 31 after a brave battle with leukemia. The devastating news was announced on her Instagram account by her family and loved ones on Tuesday.
‘The Bachelor’ star Hailey Merkt has passed away after a battle with leukemia. She was 31. #RIP 💔🕊️ pic.twitter.com/h8OUFT3jNJ
— TMZ (@TMZ) July 31, 2024
“Our hearts are shattered as we share that our dear Hailey has left us after a valiant fight,” the post began. “Hailey faced her journey with an extraordinary blend of strength, grace, and selflessness that left us all in awe. Her fierce determination and will to live defied every timeline the doctors projected, choosing to spend her final days enveloped in love, doing what brought her joy, without a trace of regret.”
The message went on to highlight Hailey’s unforgettable spirit, describing her as “anything but ordinary—always hilariously funny, and perpetually living in the now.” Her infectious zest for life and radiant personality made a profound impact on everyone she encountered, leaving an indelible mark.
Her loved ones expressed deep sorrow, stating that Hailey “will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.” They also extended their gratitude to those who supported Hailey during her grueling journey with cancer. The family invited friends and fans to share their cherished memories of Hailey, either through direct messages or public posts, emphasizing the importance of these stories in celebrating her life.
The announcement also included details about a GoFundMe page that will remain active until August 10. The page, which confirmed Hailey’s passing on July 26, has already garnered over $112,000, providing much-needed support for her family during this difficult time.
Hailey Merkt first captured the public’s attention on Nick Viall’s season of “The Bachelor” in 2017, where she was eliminated in the second week. Despite her brief stint on the show, she left a lasting impression on viewers and fellow contestants alike.
Bachelor star Hailey Merkt dead at 31: Model passes away after cancer battle – as family pay heartbreaking tribute praising her ‘strength and grace’ https://t.co/MsgjachGmg pic.twitter.com/ofixUxNCtf
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) July 31, 2024
The news of her passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from her fellow “Bachelor” alums. Jasmine Goode, who also appeared on Viall’s season and currently stars in Bravo’s “The Valley,” expressed her grief in the comments, writing, “Baby girl 💔 we will love you always 🤍🕊️.” In another heartfelt comment, Goode reminisced, “I’ll never forget that beautiful smile and laugh that made me crack up!! Love you 🤍.”
Danielle Maltby, another contestant from the same season, reflected on her friendship with Hailey, saying, “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.”
Raven Gates, the runner-up from that season, added her condolences, “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.”
Winner Vanessa Grimaldi also shared her heartbreak, commenting, “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.”
In April 2024, Hailey had shared hopeful news on her GoFundMe page, announcing she was “leukemia-free” after undergoing a bone marrow transplant. However, just six weeks later, the cancer returned aggressively. In an update, her family recounted her reaction: “Her first reaction was to say, ‘I don’t care about myself anymore, but I can’t bear being the cause of so much pain for the people I love.’”
And…’suddenly’😪💔
*Hailey Merkt-31-Canada
*’Bachelor’ Star, Model, & Photographer
*July 30 2024
*”Tragic reversal in her health after she thought she had received a clean bill of health”
*Hailey died following a tragic struggle with Cancer, Leukemiahttps://t.co/EqkcyJaKPH pic.twitter.com/Nd4SCxAxAR— cheri maday (@resilient333) July 31, 2024
Hailey is survived by her mother, Michele; sister, Jenny; brother, Kyle; and her “love of her life and soulmate,” Henry. In accordance with her wishes, there will be no funeral service.
Major Points:
- Hailey Merkt, a former contestant on season 21 of “The Bachelor,” passed away at 31 after battling leukemia.
- Her family shared the news on Instagram, highlighting her strength, grace, and determination throughout her illness.
- Fans and fellow “Bachelor” alums expressed their condolences and shared memories of Hailey, praising her vibrant spirit and sense of humor.
- A GoFundMe page set up in Hailey’s name has raised over $112,000 to support her family, remaining open until August 10.
- Hailey is survived by her mother Michele, sister Jenny, brother Kyle, and her soulmate Henry, with her family respecting her wish not to hold a funeral.
Al Santana – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
