‘The Bachelor’ alum Hailey Merkt dead at 31

Hailey Merkt, a contestant on season 21 of “The Bachelor,” has died from leukemia. She was 31.

The news was shared by Merkt’s loved ones on her Instagram account on Tuesday.

“It is with broken hearts we share that our beloved Hailey has passed away after a courageous fight for her life,” the caption begins.

Hailey Merkt, Nick Viall

Merkt vied for Nick Viall’s heart on the season of “The Bachelor” that aired in 2017. Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

It continues, “Hailey faced this journey with unimaginable strength, grace, and selflessness. 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.”

Hailey Merkt on "The Bachelor"

Hailey Merkt, a contestant on season 21 of “The Bachelor,” has died from leukemia. Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

The message adds, “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.”

Merkt’s loved ones said she “will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.” They also thanked everyone who supported the late reality star during her “difficult” cancer journey.

“We invite you to share your favorite memories of our dear Hailey, whether through a direct message or by posting them. Your stories and moments mean the world,” her family wrote.

Hailey Merkt died on Friday, July 26

Hailey Merkt died on Friday, July 26. Instagram / @haileymerkt

Hailey Merkt.

“It is with broken hearts we share that our beloved Hailey has passed away after a courageous fight for her life,” the Instagram caption begins. Instagram / @haileymerkt

The post concluded with information about Merkt’s GoFundMe page, which will remain open until August 10. The page, which confirms Merkt died on Friday, July 26, has raised over $112,000.

Merkt vied for Nick Viall’s heart on his season of “The Bachelor” that aired in 2017. She was eliminated during the second week of the competition.

Other alums from the ABC reality franchise reacted to the tragic news of Merkt’s death.

Hailey Merkt

According to Merkt’s GoFundMe page, she posted that she was “leukemia free” in April 2024. Instagram / @haileymerkt

Hailey Merkt

However, Merkt learned six weeks after her bone marrow transplant that her “leukemia cells were back and moving fast.” Instagram / @haileymerkt

“Baby girl  we will love you always ,” Jasmine Goode, who also appeared on Viall’s season and now stars in Bravo’s “The Valley,” wrote in the comments section.

“I’ll never forget that beautiful smile and laugh that made me crack up!! Love you,” Goode wrote in a second comment.

Hailey Merkt vlogged her cancer battle on Instagram before her passing

Season 21 alum Danielle Maltby said, “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.”

Hailey Merkt meeting Nick Viall on "The Bachelor" Season 21

Hailey Merkt meet Nick Viall on “The Bachelor” Season 21. Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

Nick Viall, Hailey Merkt on "The Bachelor"

Merkt left the show during the second week of the competition. Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

The cast of "The Bachelor" Season 21

The cast of “The Bachelor” Season 21. Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

Raven Gates, the runner-up of that season, added, “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.”

Winner Vanessa Grimaldi commented, “Our beautiful girl!! This news broke me. You are such a light, your beautiful big smile will always be something I remember. Always. Rest easy, friend. Sending big hugs to your loved ones xoxo.”

Hailey Merkt.

Merkt’s loved ones said she “will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.” Instagram / @haileymerkt

According to Merkt’s GoFundMe page, she posted that she was “leukemia free” in April 2024.

“For a really bad situation with pretty low odds and a long time of pain, I am so thankful for the love and selflessness of everyone that has supported me,” she wrote at the time.

However, Merkt learned six weeks after her bone marrow transplant that her “leukemia cells were back and moving fast.”

Hailey Merkt

There won’t be a funeral for Merkt, per her wishes. Instagram / @haileymerkt

“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,’ ” the update on her GoFundMe read.

The message also noted Merkt’s mom, Michele; sister Jenny; brother Kyle; and the “love of her life and soulmate,” Henry, supported her during her cancer battle.

There won’t be a funeral for Merkt, per her wishes.

Related Posts

Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 14 Reunion Watch Party Recap: Off the Rails

The Real Housewives of New Jersey series has arrived at its final destination, the Rails Steakhouse in Towaco, NJ. During the Season 14 Finale, this heavily divided cast gathered…

Austen Kroll Shares a New Look at His Bachelor Pad and Life as a “Plant Daddy”

The Southern Charm cast member also teased a possible addition to his Charleston home. Austen Kroll is a proud daddy… well, a “proud plant daddy,” that is. While watching the 2024…

Ashley Iaconetti Understands Bachelorette Jenn’s Ex Feeling ‘Desperation’ for Letting Her Go (Exclusive)

Ashley Iaconetti may be busy after welcoming her second baby with her husband, Jared Haibon, but she’s all caught up on The Bachelorette. The latest episode of the ABC reality dating show,…

Mackenzie Edwards undergoes cosmetic work to feel her ‘best confident self’ — See the Teen Mom alum’s results

Mackenzie shared video of herself undergoing a cosmetic makeover. Pic credit: @mackedwards95/Instagram New life, new look. Teen Mom alum Mackenzie Edwards is sporting a new and improved look amid…

Stаssі Sсһroeder Is Bасk іn tһe Reаlіty TV World

Stаssі Sсһroeder Is Bасk іn tһe Reаlіty TV World

After many years of viewers wanting Stassi Schroeder back on the reality TV screens, she has officially signed on with Hulu to have her docu-comedy series. She…

Brіаnа Culberson Refleсts on Neаr-Fаtаl “Medісаl Hell” Tһаt Almost Left Her Deаd, Admіts Sһe Wаs “Terrіbly Unһeаltһy” аs RHOC Alum Tаlks Heаlіng іn аn Emotіonаl Post

Brіаnа Culberson Refleсts on Neаr-Fаtаl “Medісаl Hell” Tһаt Almost Left Her Deаd, Admіts Sһe Wаs “Terrіbly Unһeаltһy” аs RHOC Alum Tаlks Heаlіng іn аn Emotіonаl Post

Briana Culberson was forced to defend herself on Instagram after feeling that someone had been less than supportive of the many life changes she’s made in an…