The Bachelor alumnus Hailey Merkt, who competed for By Nick Viall heart during the 21st season of the ABC dating reality show in 2017, he diedShe was 31 years old.
News of Merkt’s death was announced Tuesday in a statement shared on his Instagram page, which included a slideshow of photos celebrating his life.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share that our beloved Hailey has passed away after a courageous fight for her life,” the statement shared. “Hailey faced this journey with unimaginable strength, grace and selflessness. Her determination, courage and will to live surpassed every deadline doctors gave her, and she chose to spend her final moments surrounded by loved ones and doing what she loved most, with no regrets.”
“She will always be remembered as anything but boring, always hysterically funny and as someone who lived fully in the present moment,” the statement continued. “Hailey embraced life with unparalleled enthusiasm; her beautiful spirit touched countless lives.”
“Hailey will be deeply missed by all who knew her,” the touching tribute read. “Her laughter, her love and her vibrant spirit have 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.”
Hailey has been sharing her battle with cancer on social media after being diagnosed with leukemia. In April, she announced on your GoFundMe page that she had been declared “leukemia-free.”
In an update on his campaign shared after his death, it was revealed that Merkt died on July 26.
“After the bone marrow transplant, she was told she had nine months to stop thinking about cancer, but in reality she only had six weeks before she received the devastating news that the leukemia cells were back and moving fast,” the update explained. “She had such clarity, independence and grace. She decided she wanted to live every last minute she had to the fullest: to be with the people she loved and to do the things she loved.”
She is survived by her mother, Michele Merkt, and her siblings, Jenny and Kyle.
RELATED CONTENT: