Hailey Merkt, known for her appearance on Season 21 of The Bachelor, has passed away at the age of 31 following a courageous battle with leukemia. Merkt’s family confirmed the news through a heartfelt post on her Instagram account, revealing that she died on July 26, 2024.
In their tribute, Merkt’s family praised her for her incredible strength and grace throughout her illness. “Hailey faced this journey with unimaginable strength, grace, and selflessness. Her determination, courage, and will to live surpassed every timeline the doctors gave her,” the post read. “She chose to spend her final moments surrounded by loved ones and doing what she cherished most with no regrets.”
The family added that Merkt would be “profoundly missed” and remembered for her laughter, love, and vibrant spirit. “Her beautiful spirit has touched countless lives,” the post continued.
Hailey Merkt’s diagnosis and subsequent health struggles were publicly shared through her Instagram account. In October 2023, she revealed her leukemia diagnosis, expressing her fear and the challenges ahead. “I have Leukemia. And there’s a pretty good chance I won’t make it,” she wrote in an emotional post. Despite her prognosis, Merkt’s fight against the disease was marked by periods of remission and hope, including a brief remission announcement in November 2023.
Merkt’s final public update came in April 2024, where she shared her reflections on her journey. “Miracles do happen. As my aunt Candace said, someone has to be in the 2 [percent], right? You can be both strong and vulnerable at the same time,” she wrote. Her message emphasized the importance of love, selflessness, and expressing gratitude to loved ones.
The news of her passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences from the Bachelor Nation community. Raven Gates Gottschalk and Danielle Maltby, fellow contestants from Nick Viall’s season, expressed their sorrow and fond memories of Merkt. “I was so hoping for her recovery. Rest easy, Hailey, you’ll never be forgotten,” wrote Gates. Maltby reflected on Merkt’s warmth and impact, stating, “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.”
Hailey Merkt’s legacy will be remembered through her vibrant spirit and the profound impact she had on those around her.
Highlights:
Age and Diagnosis: Hailey Merkt, 31, died on July 26, 2024, after a battle with leukemia.
Family Tribute: The family praised her strength and selflessness, describing her as someone who lived fully and touched many lives.
Public Struggle: Merkt shared her leukemia diagnosis and treatment journey publicly through Instagram, showing her resilience and hope.
Community Reaction: Condolences from Bachelor Nation, including Raven Gates and Danielle Maltby, highlight her impact and the sadness at her passing.
Hailey Merkt, a contestant on The Bachelor Season 21, passed away after a brave fight with leukemia. Diagnosed in October 2023, Merkt’s journey was marked by periods of remission and hope. She publicly shared her struggles and insights on her Instagram, inspiring many with her strength and perspective. Her death has been met with heartfelt tributes from friends and fellow contestants, who remember her for her vibrant personality and enduring spirit.