Hailey Merkt, a former contestant from Season 21 of “The Bachelor,” died on July 26 after a long battle with leukemia. She was 31 years old.
Merkt, who documented her cancer journey online, was known to fans from her appearance on the ABC reality show during the 2016 season starring Nick Viall.
Her family announced the news of her passing in a heartfelt Instagram tribute Tuesday: “It is with broken hearts we share that our beloved Hailey has passed away after a courageous fight for her life,” read the post.
“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 family added.
Tributes poured in from fellow “Bachelor” alumni, with Raven Gates, who also appeared on Season 21, writing: “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.”
Danielle Maltby, another contestant from the same year, wrote: “I count myself so lucky to know your laugh and grateful to have met and loved the realest, warmest, most beautiful soul.”
A GoFundMe page set up to support Merkt’s family during her illness remains open until Aug. 10, with proceeds going toward covering remaining costs that have burdened her family.
In April, Merkt joyfully announced she was “leukemia free” following a bone marrow transplant. But just six weeks later, she received the devastating news that the leukemia had returned aggressively.
“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’,” wrote Christopher Bennett, who organized the GoFundMe on behalf of the family.
