The Bachelor alum and model Hailey Merkt, who appeared in the show’s 21st season alongside Nick Viall, has died after a battle with cancer. She was 31. Months before going public in October 2023, Merkt was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a fast-growing blood cancer. News of her tragic death was shared via her Instagram page on Tuesday, months after Merkt’s last post. Under a carousel of pictures honoring Merkt’s life, the caption read:
“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 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.
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.
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. 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.”
The post went on to thank everyone who had supported Merkt and invited followers to share their favorite memories of Merkt. Several Bachelor alumni, including Danielle Maltby, Dominique Alexis, Raven Gates, and Lacey Mark, remembered Merkt through comments on the post and social media stories. Vanessa Grimaldi, the winner of the 21st season, shared:
“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”
Hailey Merkt’s Fight Against Cancer
Merkt documented moments of her cancer journey online, through social media and a GoFundMe page, after her diagnosis. In April, Merkt updated that she was in remission and cancer-free following a successful bone marrow transplant, but according to an update on her GoFundMe page (from organizer Christopher Bennett), Merkt’s cancer returned just six weeks later.
“After the bone marrow transplant had taken, she was told she had nine months to not even think about cancer, but in truth she only had 6 weeks before she got the terrible news that 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.'”
Bennett noted that Merkt “decided she wanted to live every last minute she had to the fullest: being with the people she loved and doing the things she loved, and she loved doing so many simple things.”
Merkt’s GoFundMe page, which will remain active until August 10, will help Merkt’s mother, Michele, to cover any remaining costs. Merkt is survived by her mother and siblings, Jenny and Kyle. R.I.P. Hailey Merkt.
Related
Elf Star Pays Tribute to Papa Elf Actor Bob Newhart: ‘Such a Kind & Generous Man’
Comedic icon Bob Newhart sadly passed away last week aged 94.