Fans in shock as ‘Bachelor’ alum Hailey Merkt dead at 31 after cancer battle

Hailey Merkt, a contestant from Season 21 of The Bachelor, passed away at the age of 31, following a battle with cancer, her family announced.

“It is with broken hearts we share that our beloved Hailey has passed away after a courageous fight for her life. Hailey faced this journey with unimaginable strength, grace, and selflessness,” her family wrote in a heartfelt post on Instagram.

Known for her infectious humor and vibrant personality, Hailey’s passing has left a profound impact on those who knew her.

“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,” her family shared after her July 26 death.

Hailey’s family described her as someone who lived life to the fullest and left an indelible mark on everyone she met. “She will be remembered as anything but boring, always hysterically funny, and as someone who lived fully in the present moment,” the family continued.

“Hailey will be profoundly missed by all who knew her. Her laughter, her love, and her vibrant spirit have left an undeniable mark on our hearts.”

In addition to the many heartfelt tributes, Hailey’s family expressed comfort in the lasting impact she had on others. “While we grieve her loss, we find comfort in knowing that her spirit will live on in all the lives she touched. Rest in peace, Hailey,” they said in their emotional message.

Hailey had been open about her battle with leukemia, sharing her experiences and reflections with her followers on social media.

According to a GoFundMe page started by her family, she had undergone a bone marrow transplant earlier this year, which initially offered some hope. Doctors had told her she had nine months to live without worrying about cancer. Sadly, just six weeks later, she learned that leukemia cells had returned aggressively.

Throughout her fight, Hailey maintained a positive outlook, documenting moments from her treatment on Instagram, while also sharing fashion and lifestyle inspiration. In one post from October, she shared a rare glimpse of her smile during treatment, captioning it: “A rare moment caught smiling during treatment :).”

The Bachelor alum’s family expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support during her cancer journey and encouraged those who knew Hailey to share their memories of her.

Several of Hailey’s fellow contestants from Nick Viall’s season of The Bachelor shared their own tributes, expressing heartbreak over the loss of their friend.

Vanessa Grimaldi, who won that season, wrote: “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.”

Danielle Maltby also shared a heartfelt message: “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.”

Dominique Alexis echoed similar sentiments, saying: “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 ????.”

Raven Gates 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.”

Per Hailey’s wishes, there will not be an official funeral, as noted on the GoFundMe page. Instead, her family hopes that those whose lives she touched will keep her memory alive through the moments they shared with her.