The Bachelor alum Hailey Merkt shockingly passed away at the age of 31. Merkt was part of the ABC reality dating series in 2017 competing for Nick Viall’s heart. On the 30th her family announced the devastating news on her official Instagram page, which features a slideshow of snapshots celebrating life. The gorgeous reality star has been battling leukemia, also known as blood cancer, for a long time. She has her and Michele Merkt, as well as her siblings, Jenny and Kyle at the time of her death. Let’s check out the statement her family has shared.
Hailey Merkt left the world after a courageous fight with cancer
The statement reads, “It is with broken hearts we share that our beloved Hailey has passed away after a courageous fight for her life. 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.”
The heartfelt message continues, “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.”
The tribute continues, “Hailey will be profoundly missed by all who knew her,” expressed. “Her laughter, her love, and her vibrant spirit have left an undeniable mark on our hearts. While we grieve her loss, we find comfort in knowing that her spirit will live on in all the lives she touched. Rest in peace, Hailey.”
Merkt who has been struggling with blood cancer even declared herself “leukemia-free” in April thus the news comes as extremely shocking for her fans.
She announced on her GoFundMe page at that time, “After the bone marrow transplant had taken, she was told she had nine months to not even think about cancer, but in truth she only had 6 weeks before she got the terrible news that leukemia cells were back and moving fast.”
She continues, “She had such clarity and independence and grace. She decided she wanted to live every last minute she had to the fullest: being with the people she loved and doing the things she loved.”
Hope she will rest in peace!