Hailey Merkt, a former contestant on season 21 of “The Bachelor,” passed away on Friday, July 26, 2024, at the age of 31 after a courageous battle with leukemia. Her loved ones shared the heartbreaking news on her Instagram account on Tuesday.

The Instagram post began by expressing deep sorrow over the loss of Hailey, who passed away after bravely battling for her life. It continued by describing how Hailey faced her journey with incredible strength, grace, and selflessness. Her determination, courage, and will to live exceeded all the doctors’ expectations, and she chose to spend her final moments surrounded by loved ones and engaging in the activities she cherished most without any regrets.

Hailey Merkt, known for her vibrant personality and zest for life, hailed from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and participated in Nick Viall’s “The Bachelor” season in 2017. Although she was eliminated in the second week, she left a lasting impression on her fellow contestants and viewers.

In April 2024, Merkt announced on Instagram that she was leukemia-free following an experimental treatment and a bone marrow transplant. Unfortunately, six weeks later, she learned that her leukemia cells had returned aggressively. Despite the grim prognosis, Merkt continued to live life to the fullest, spending precious moments with her family and friends.

Fellow Bachelor alums expressed their grief and shared heartfelt tributes. Danielle Maltby, a contestant from the same season, felt incredibly fortunate to know Hailey’s laugh and was grateful to have met and loved her. She described her as the realest, warmest, and most beautiful soul in the most unexpected places. Maltby was forever thankful for their friendship both on the show and in real life, calling Hailey a force and wishing her to rest easy with much love to all her people.

Raven Gates, the runner-up of season 21, was deeply saddened by the news. She expressed her profound sadness and disappointment, having hoped for Hailey’s recovery, and stated that Hailey would never be forgotten.

Hailey’s GoFundMe page, which was set up to support her medical expenses, confirmed her passing and noted that it would remain open until August 10. The page has raised over $115,000, demonstrating the outpouring of support from those who followed her journey. Hailey’s loved ones expressed their gratitude for the financial support, which alleviated the burden of medical and living expenses during her treatment.

Hailey Merkt’s passing has left a profound void in the lives of those who knew her. Her family, including her mother Michele, sister Jenny, brother Kyle, and her soulmate Henry, stood by her side throughout her battle. Michele was especially noted for her unwavering support, taking on multiple roles to ensure Hailey’s comfort and care.

According to her wishes, there will be no formal funeral. Instead, Hailey’s loved ones encourage those who wish to honor her memory to share their stories and memories on her Instagram account.