Tragic news from the world of reality TV:
Hailey Merkt, a former contestant on The Bachelor who competed on season 21 for the affections of lead Nick Viall, has died.
She was 31 years old.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share that our beloved Hailey has passed away after a courageous fight for her life,” read a post on Hailey’s Instagram on Tuesday, July 30.
The message from Merkt, who had been diagnosed with leukemia, added:
“Hailey has navigated this journey with unimaginable strength, grace and selflessness.
“Her determination, courage and will to live surpassed all the deadlines doctors gave her, and she chose to spend her last moments surrounded by loved ones and doing what she loved most, with no regrets.”
Merkt was sent home in week 2 in 2017.
Continuation of the post that paid tribute to his life:
Hailey will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her laughter, her love, and her vibrant spirit left an undeniable mark on our hearts.
As we mourn her loss, we find comfort in knowing that her spirit will live on in all the lives she touched. Rest in peace, Hailey.
As you can see above, the post also noted that Merkt would be “remembered as anything but boring, always hysterically funny, and as someone who lived entirely in the present moment. Hailey embraced life with unmatched enthusiasm; her beautiful spirit touched countless lives.”
In response to the reality star’s passing, several Bachelor Nation alums expressed their sadness and grief.
“OMG!!! I’m so sad to hear this,” wrote Raven Gates, who also appeared on season 21 of The Bachelor. “I was rooting for her recovery so much. Rest in peace Hailey. You will never be forgotten.”
Danielle Maltby, another contestant from this same season of the series, shared an even longer message in memory of Hailey Merkt.
Maltby wrote:
“I consider myself so lucky to have known your laughter and grateful to have met and loved the realest, warmest, most beautiful soul in the strangest of places. Forever grateful for your friendship there and in the real world… What strength my girl, rest assured. So much love to all your people.”
A GoFundMe Page — which will remain open until August 10 — was created to help Merkt’s family and delves into more details about Hailey’s death.
“After a bone marrow transplant, she was told she had nine months to forget about cancer, but in fact she only had six weeks before she received the terrible news that the leukemia cells were back and moving fast,” says this crowdsourcing site.
Here’s how it concludes:
“I am in awe of her. She had such clarity, independence and grace.
“She decided she wanted to live every minute she had to the fullest: to be with the people she loved and do the things she loved, and she loved doing so many simple things. A drink on a patio. Being in the sun. Her family and friends. Her dog, Snuggles. Swimming. An organized closet. A to-do list all checked off. Hanging out at a favorite park.”
“To look beautiful, with all the creativity that that implies. To be beautiful. A beautiful soul…
The world without her is unacceptable, but we are having to accept it. We will hold her close forever.