Gone Too Early. Rest In Peace
Hailey Merkt, Former “Bachelor” Contestant, Passes Away at 31
Hailey Merkt, known for her appearance on “The Bachelor,” has passed away at the age of 31 after a prolonged battle with leukemia. Her death was confirmed through a heartfelt post on her personal Instagram account.
The post included a tribute image of Hailey and shared the news of her passing. “With heavy hearts, we announce that our cherished Hailey has passed away after showing remarkable courage in her fight against cancer,” the message read.
Described as “highly entertaining and fully present,” Hailey’s journey was marked by bravery, kindness, and a zest for life. The post highlighted her determination and willingness to live, even as she faced numerous medical challenges. Hailey chose to spend her final days surrounded by loved ones, doing what she enjoyed most.
The tribute continued, “Hailey’s vibrant spirit has left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Her love, laughter, and energetic presence will be fondly remembered. Though we grieve her loss, we take comfort in knowing her spirit will live on through those she inspired.”
In response to her passing, Hailey’s family has established a GoFundMe campaign to support them during this difficult time. The fundraiser, which remains open until August 10, has already garnered over $112,208 CAD.
Hailey first gained attention as a contestant on Season 21 of “The Bachelor” in 2017, where she competed for Nick Viall’s affection. Unfortunately, she was eliminated in the second week of the show.
Remembering Hailey
Several of Hailey’s peers from the show expressed their condolences. Danielle Maltby commented, “Sending so much love to all of Hailey’s loved ones.” Raven Gates wrote, “I’m so saddened by this news. Rest easy, Hailey. You’ll always be remembered.” Ashley Stern shared, “I feel fortunate to have known such a kind and beautiful soul. I’ll never forget you, Hailey.” Dominique Alexis expressed, “I hope you’re in a peaceful place. I can’t believe I won’t see you again, but I will cherish every memory.”
Hailey’s Battle
Hailey was open about her struggle with leukemia through her online posts. In April, she celebrated being “leukemia-free,” offering hope to her supporters. However, just three months later, her condition worsened. The GoFundMe campaign shared, “After initially responding well to the bone marrow transplant, Hailey received devastating news that leukemia cells had returned aggressively. Despite her personal turmoil, she focused on her loved ones’ pain and their needs.”
Throughout her fight, Hailey shared glimpses of her journey on social media, including a hopeful photo from October 2023, showing her smile during treatment. Her feed, once filled with selfies, dog pictures, and daily life moments, became a poignant record of her courageous battle.