‘Bachelor’ alum Hailey Merkt dies at age 31, family says

Hailey Merkt, a contestant on Season 21 of “The Bachelor,” died of most cancers on July 26, her household stated. She was 31.

“It’s with damaged hearts we share that our beloved Hailey has handed away after a brave battle for her life. Hailey confronted this journey with unimaginable power, grace, and selflessness,” Merkt’s household wrote in a July 30 publish on .

“Her dedication, braveness, and can to reside surpassed each timeline the docs gave her, and he or she selected to spend her closing moments surrounded by family members and doing what she cherished most with no regrets,” her household continued.

Merkt’s household stated she can be “remembered as something however boring, at all times hysterically humorous, and as somebody who lived totally within the current second,” and that her “lovely spirit has touched numerous lives.”

“Hailey can be profoundly missed by all who knew her. Her laughter, her love, and her vibrant spirit have left an plain mark on our hearts,” her household stated. “Whereas we grieve her loss, we discover consolation in realizing that her spirit will reside on in all of the lives she touched. Relaxation in peace, Hailey.”

In line with a GoFundMe shared by her household, after Merkt acquired a bone marrow transplant earlier this yr, she was informed she had 9 months to “not even take into consideration most cancers.”

“However in fact she solely had 6 weeks earlier than she obtained the horrible information that leukemia cells had been again and shifting quick,” the GoFundMe said.

Merkt had documented her journey with leukemia on her Instagram, posting photographs from her therapy, in addition to vogue and life-style inspiration.

She captioned one publish from October: “A uncommon second caught smiling throughout therapy :)”

The “Bachelor” alum’s household thanked those that supported Merkt throughout her most cancers journey, and requested for individuals to share their favourite reminiscences with Merkt.

Within the feedback, a number of different contestants who competed with Merkt to win Nick Viall’s love on Season 21 despatched condolences:

• “Our lovely lady!! 💔 This information broke me. You might be such a lightweight, your lovely massive smile will at all times be one thing I bear in mind. All the time. Relaxation simple, buddy! 🤍🕊️ Sending massive hugs to your family members xoxo,” wrote Vanessa Grimaldi, who gained Season 21.

• “I rely myself so fortunate to know your snort and grateful to have met and liked the realest, warmest, most lovely soul within the weirdest of locations 🌹ceaselessly grateful to your friendship there and in the true world…. What a pressure my lady, relaxation simple 🤍 a lot like to all of your individuals,” Danielle Maltby wrote.

• “My love, I hope you’re in probably the most lovely peaceable place. I can’t think about that I gained’t see you once more however I’ll cherish each reminiscence collectively. Love you 💔,” Dominique Alexis stated.

• “Oh my gosh!!! I’m so so unhappy to listen to this 😢 I used to be so hoping for her restoration. Relaxation simple, Hailey 🤍 you’ll by no means be forgotten,” stated Raven Gates.

In line with the GoFundMe, there is not going to be an official funeral, “as per Hailey’s needs.”

This text was initially printed on