Hailey Merkt, a former contestant on The Bachelor, passed away at the age of 31 after a courageous battle with leukemia.
The heartbreaking news of her tragic passing was shared on her personal Instagram account by her family who expressed their grief while celebrating her incredible strength, grace, and selflessness throughout her fight.
“It is with broken hearts we share that our beloved Hailey has passed away after a courageous fight for her life,” their message read. “Hailey went on this journey with unimaginable bravery, kindness, and selflessness. Her bravery, determination, and will to live came through in the face of every deadline the doctors gave her. She chose to spend her last moments with family and friends doing what she loved most, with no regrets.”
Hailey, born on November 3, 1992, in Vancouver, Canada, had appeared on Season 21 of The Bachelor in 2017, where she competed for Nick Viall’s affections.
Aside from her reality TV stint, Hailey was a photographer and had worked as a senior marketing and communications manager. She had studied Communication and Media Studies at Carleton University and earned a diploma in print journalism from Conestoga College.
In April 2024, she was declared cancer-free but her condition suddenly worsened just three months later, leading to her untimely passing on July 26, 2024.
In her final months, Hailey continued to share her journey on social media, chronicling both her victories and struggles. Her death prompted an outpouring of tributes from her fellow Bachelor contestants, who remembered her as a vibrant, funny, and loving person.
Her friends, family, and former contestants of the reality show paid their tributes to the young woman.
“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,” one of the former The Bachelor contestants wrote.
“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,” another contestant, Raven Gates, posted.
Dominique Alexis, who was also featured on Hailey’s season of The Bachelor, extended her heartfelt condolences. “My love, I hope you are in the most beautiful peaceful place. I can’t imagine that I won’t see you again but I’ll cherish every memory together. Love you,” she posted.
Hailey’s family thanked everyone who showed their support and donated on the GoFundMe page set up to help with the medical expenses.