Sad news for the world of reality TV:
Hailey Merkt, a former contestant on “The Bachelor” who competed for Nick Viall’s affections on Season 21, has died.
She is 31 years old.
A post on Hailey’s Instagram on Tuesday, July 30, read, “It is with our broken hearts that we share that our beloved Hailey passed away after a courageous fight for her life.”
The news also added that Merkert, who has been diagnosed with leukemia:
“Hailey has faced this journey with unimaginable strength, grace, and selflessness.
“Her determination, courage and will to live exceeded every timetable the doctors gave her, and she chose to spend her final moments surrounded by her loved ones, doing the things she cherished most without regrets.”
In 2017, Merkert was sent home in Week 2.
Continuing the post honoring her 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.
While we are saddened by her passing, we take comfort in the fact that her spirit will live on in all the lives she touched. Rest in peace, Haley.
As you can see above, the post also states that Merkert “would come across as anything but boring, always hysterically funny, and someone who totally lives in the moment. Hailey embraces life with unparalleled enthusiasm. Her beautiful spirit touched countless lives.
Many Bachelor alums have expressed their sadness and grief over the reality star’s passing.
“OMG!!! I’m so sad to hear this,” wrote Raven Gates, who also appeared on Season 21 of “The Bachelor.” “I hope so much for her recovery. Rest in peace, Hayley. You will never be forgotten.
Danielle Maltby, another suitor from the same season of the show, shared a longer message in honor of Hailey Merkt.
Maltby wrote:
“I consider myself so lucky to hear your laughter and so grateful to have met and loved the truest, warmest, most beautiful souls in the strangest of places. Forever grateful for your friendship in the real world…how powerful The strength my girl, rest in peace and much love to you all.
The GoFundMe page will be open until August 10 to help support Merkert’s family and delve into more details about Hailey’s death.
“After the bone marrow transplant, she was told not to think about the cancer for nine months, but in fact, she only had six weeks to receive the horrific news that the leukemia cells had returned and spread rapidly,” the crowdsourcing website writes.
The conclusion is this:
“I was in awe of her. She was so clear, independent and graceful.
“She decided to live her last moments to the fullest: with the people she loved, doing the things she loved, and she loved doing a lot of simple things. A drink on the terrace. In the sun. Her family and friends. She Dogs, Snulls. A well-organized cupboard. Hanging out at a favorite park.
“Looking beautiful and full of creativity. Beautiful. A beautiful soul…
A world without her is unacceptable, but we have to accept it. We will hold her close forever.
