Former Bachelor contestant Hailey Merkt has tragically passed away at the age of 31 after a courageous battle with leukemia. The heartbreaking news was confirmed in a social media post on her personal Instagram account shortly after her passing.

The post featured a touching image of Hailey, alongside a message that read:

“It is with broken hearts we share that our beloved Hailey has passed away after a courageous fight for her life.”

The tribute went on to describe Hailey’s incredible bravery, kindness, and selflessness during her battle, stating:

“Hailey faced every challenge with unimaginable strength, determination, and grace. She lived life fully, without regrets, spending her final moments surrounded by the people she loved most.”

The post painted a picture of Hailey as a vibrant, dynamic individual, saying she was “highly entertaining, never dull, and fully present in every moment.” It also highlighted how Hailey’s “beautiful spirit touched countless lives,” and that she will be “deeply missed by all who knew her.”

“Her love, laughter, and energy will forever live on in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know her,” the post added.

In the wake of her passing, Hailey’s grieving family has set up a GoFundMe page to help them through this difficult time. The campaign, which will remain open until August 10, has already raised over $112,208 CAD, showing the outpouring of love and support from those touched by her story.

Hailey’s Time on The Bachelor

Hailey first appeared on Season 21 of The Bachelor in 2017, vying for Nick Viall’s heart. Although her time on the show was brief, with her elimination happening in the second week, she left a lasting impression on both contestants and fans.

Many from her season shared their grief and love in the wake of her passing. Fellow contestant Danielle Maltby wrote: “I feel so lucky to have known your laugh and am so grateful to have met such a kind, delightful soul in the strangest places. So much love to all your people.”

Raven Gates shared: “Oh my goodness, I’m heartbroken to hear this. Rest easy, Hailey. You’ll always be remembered.” Ashley Stern added: “I feel lucky to have known such a beautiful soul. I’ll never forget you, Hailey.”

Dominique Alexis expressed her sorrow, writing: “I hope you are in a beautiful, peaceful place, my love. I can’t believe I won’t see you again, but I’ll treasure every memory.”

Hailey’s Courageous Battle with Leukemia

Hailey openly shared her battle with leukemia online, documenting both the highs and the heartbreaking lows. In April 2024, she joyfully announced that she was “leukemia-free,” bringing hope to her fans. Sadly, just three months later, her health took a sudden turn for the worse.

A message on her GoFundMe explained: “After her bone marrow transplant, she was given nine months to be cancer-free, but tragically, the leukemia returned within six weeks.” Despite the devastating news, Hailey’s first concern was for her loved ones: “I don’t care about myself anymore, but I can’t bear being the cause of so much pain for the people I love.”

Throughout her journey, Hailey continued to post updates, sharing both her moments of joy and her struggles. In October 2023, she shared a rare moment of happiness during treatment, smiling through the challenges she faced.

Before her illness, Hailey’s social media feed was filled with snapshots of her vibrant life—selfies, photos with her beloved dog, and modeling images that captured her radiant beauty.

A Legacy of Courage and Love

Hailey Merkt’s legacy is one of resilience, kindness, and a zest for life. Though her battle with leukemia was long and grueling, she faced it with extraordinary courage, inspiring those around her. Her memory will live on through the countless lives she touched, both during her time on The Bachelor and beyond.

“Rest in peace, Hailey.”