Hailey Merkt, a contestant on season 21 of “The Bachelor,” has died from leukemia. She was 31.
The news was shared by Merkt’s loved ones on her Instagram account on Tuesday.
“It is with broken hearts we share that our beloved Hailey has passed away after a courageous fight for her life,” the caption began.
“Hailey faced this journey with unimaginable strength, grace, and selflessness. 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.”
The message continued, “She will forever be remembered as anything but boring, always hysterically funny, and as someone who lived fully in the present moment. Hailey embraced life with an unmatched zest; her beautiful spirit has touched countless lives.”
Merkt’s loved ones said she “will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.” They also thanked everyone who supported the late reality star during her “difficult” cancer journey.
“We invite you to share your favorite memories of our dear Hailey, whether through a direct message or by posting them. Your stories and moments mean the world,” her family wrote.
The post concluded with information about Merkt’s GoFundMe page that will remain open until August 10. The page, which confirms Merkt died on Friday, July 26, has raised over $112,000.
Merkt vied for Nick Viall’s heart on his season of “The Bachelor” that aired in 2017. She was eliminated during the second week of the competition.
Other alums from the ABC reality franchise reacted to the tragic news of Merkt’s death.
“Baby girl 💔 we will love you always 🤍🕊️,” Jasmine Goode, who also appeared on Viall’s season and now stars in Bravo’s “The Valley,” wrote in the comments section.
“I’ll never forget that beautiful smile and laugh that made me crack up!! Love you🤍,” Goode wrote in a second comment.
Season 21 alum Danielle Maltby said, “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 of that season, added, “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 commented, “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.”
According to Merkt’s GoFundMe page, she posted that she was “leukemia free” in April 2024.
“For a really bad situation with pretty low odds and a long time of pain, I am so thankful for the love and selflessness of everyone that has supported me,” she said at the time.
However, Merkt learned six weeks after her bone marrow transplant that her “leukemia cells were back and moving fast.”
“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,’ ” the message on her GoFundMe said.
The page also said Merkt’s mom Michele, sister Jenny, brother Kyle and “love of her life and soulmate” Henry supported her during her cancer battle.
There won’t be a funeral for Merkt, per her wishes.
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