'The Bachelor' star Hailey Merkt who competed for Nick Viall's love in Season 21 dies at 31

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'The Bachelor' Season 21 star Hailey Merkt died on July 26 at the age of 31 after a long battle with leukemia.

Merkt gained recognition from her appearance on the ABC reality show during the 2016 season where she competed for Nick Viall's love. Her death was confirmed on her official Instagram page, where it was stated, "Remembering our beautiful Hailey November 3, 1992 - July 26, 2024." A link to a GoFundMe page for her mother was added to her bio.

Hailey Merkt dies after 'courageous fight for her life'

Merkt's Instagram page was updated with its first post in over two months, announcing her death after months of leukemia treatments. The caption began with the statement, "It is with broken hearts we share that our beloved Hailey has passed away after a courageous fight for her life."

It described her as having faced this journey with "unimaginable strength, grace, and selflessness," noting that "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," the post further read. 

"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 statement ended.

The Instagram account expressed gratitude to supporters, "Thank you to everyone who supported Hailey during this difficult journey. We invite you to share your favourite memories of our dear Hailey, whether through a direct message or by posting them. Your stories and moments mean the world."

The post also expressed gratitude to her fans who donated to a GoFundMe account, which remains open for those who still wish to contribute.

"We have decided to keep the GoFundMe Page open for anyone wishing to offer support in lieu of flowers until August 10, 2024 at 12.01 am. For additional details, please visit the GoFundMe link in bio."

‘The Bachelor’ contestants pay tribute to Hailey Merkt

Several fellow 'The Bachelor' contestants paid tribute to Merkt in the post's comments. Many shared memories of their real-life friendship with her, while others believed that she is now in a peaceful place. 

Some conveyed their disbelief and shock, stating that they couldn't imagine her death and were stunned by the thought of never seeing her again.

Danielle Maltby, who competed on Season 21 with Merkt wrote, “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.”

Another fellow Season 21 contestant, Raven Gates, claimed, “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.”

Merkt's co-star Dominique Alexis commented, “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.”

Hailey Merkt’s GoFundMe details her battle with cancer

A statement from Christopher Bennett, the organizer of Merkt's GoFundMe page, provided more details about her battle with cancer and a tragic turn in her health after initially believing she was in the clear. 

"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," Bennett explained.

Bennett quoted Merkt's response: "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,"

"I am in awe of her. She had such clarity, independence, and grace," Bennett continued. "She 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," he added, dubbing her a "beautiful soul."

The statement also noted that Hailey's brother Kyle had donated stem cells to her, "which allowed her the incredibly valuable extra time."

"The world without her is unacceptable, but we are having to accept it. We will hold her close forever," it concluded.

Hailey Merkt’s loved ones mourn her death

Within hours of confirming Hailey Merkt's death, the Instagram post garnered thousands of likes and comments. Many people reminisced about their time with Merkt, while several described her as a beautiful soul and a light to the world. 

One fan wrote, "I am so blessed I got to encounter your beautiful soul in this lifetime. Rest in peace, Hailey." One fan said, "This is so incredibly unbelievable. My heart. I didn’t get the chance to truly get to know you beyond sharing the short time we had together. You are such a beautiful human inside and out. You’ll be missed by many. Til we meet again, rest in peace babe.''

A person said, "It feels just like yesterday I was training you at cactus club. You were such a bright, courageous, fun, light, funny soul. Sending strength to you family, friends, and loved ones.''

Another person who had been part of her Australian adventure wrote, "Grateful to have known Hailey, and to be a part of her Australian adventure. Sending love and condolences to all her friends and family.''

A social media user claimed, "Her bright light will continue to shine in all those that knew her."

One user said, "I have countless wonderful memories with you, they always make me laugh when I reminisce. Thank you so much for being such a honest and supportive friend to me!"

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