Hailey Merkt, who appeared on Season 21 of *The Bachelor*, has died at the age of 31 after a fight with cancer, her family announced.
“We are heartbroken to share that our dear Hailey has passed away after a brave battle with cancer,” her family wrote on Instagram. “Hailey faced this challenge with incredible strength, grace, and selflessness.”
Hailey was known for her humor and lively personality, and her passing has deeply affected everyone who knew her.
Her family added that Hailey’s determination and will to live went beyond what doctors expected. In her final moments, she was surrounded by loved ones and did what she loved most, with no regrets. Hailey died on July 26.
Hailey’s family described her as someone who truly lived life to the fullest and made a lasting impression on everyone she met. “She will be remembered as anything but boring—always hysterically funny and fully present in every moment,” they said.
Her family added, “Hailey will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her. Her laughter, love, and vibrant spirit have left a lasting mark on our hearts.”
Amid the many heartfelt tributes, Hailey’s family took comfort in the impact she made on others. “Even as we grieve her loss, we find solace in knowing her spirit will live on in the lives she touched. Rest in peace, Hailey,” they concluded in their emotional message.
Hailey had been open about her fight with leukemia, sharing her journey and reflections with her social media followers.
Her family started a GoFundMe page to support her, where they mentioned that she had undergone a bone marrow transplant earlier this year. This procedure initially gave her hope, with doctors predicting she had nine months to live without cancer concerns. Unfortunately, just six weeks later, she discovered that leukemia cells had returned aggressively.
Throughout her battle with cancer, Hailey stayed positive, sharing her treatment experiences on Instagram along with fashion and lifestyle inspiration. In an October post, she even shared a rare smile from during her treatment, captioning it: “A rare moment caught smiling during treatment :).”
Her family has been deeply grateful for the support they received during her illness and encouraged people who knew Hailey to share their memories of her.
Several of Hailey’s fellow contestants from Nick Viall’s season of *The Bachelor* have paid tribute to her, expressing their heartbreak over the loss of their friend.
Vanessa Grimaldi, who won Nick Viall’s season of *The Bachelor*, wrote: “Our beautiful girl!! This news broke me. You are such a light, and your beautiful big smile will always be something I remember. Always. Rest easy, friend! Sending big hugs to your loved ones xoxo.”
Danielle Maltby shared a touching message: “I feel so lucky to have known your laugh and to have met and loved the warmest, most beautiful soul in the strangest of places Forever grateful for your friendship both there and in the real world… What a force, my girl. Rest easy Sending so much love to all your people.”
Dominique Alexis expressed similar feelings, saying: “My love, I hope you are in the most beautiful, peaceful place. I can’t imagine not seeing you again, but I’ll cherish every memory we shared. Love you .”
Raven Gates added: “Oh my gosh!!! I’m so, so sad to hear this I was hoping for her recovery. Rest easy, Hailey You’ll never be forgotten.”
In accordance with Hailey’s wishes, there will be no official funeral. Her family hopes that those who knew her will keep her memory alive by cherishing the moments they shared with her, as noted on the GoFundMe page.
AGT 2024: Talented prodigy with World-Class Performance SHOCKS JUDGES and Leaves Audience Stunned
AGT 2024: Talented prodigy with World-Class Performance SHOCKS JUDGES and Leaves Audience Stunned
Simon Cowell was joined by a very special guest at a recent taping of America’s Got Talent.
On Tuesday, Sept. 3, the judge, 64, was photographed with his 10-year-old son Eric and his fiancée Lauren Silverman, 47, as the family of three walked the red carpet ahead of the live taping of the quarterfinals of AGT.
Cowell could be seen standing behind his son, putting his hands on his shoulders as the two smiled together. The proud dad opted for a gray T-shirt and jeans, while his son wore a white T-shirt and jeans. Silverman held her son’s arm and posed in a leopard-print jacket and black pants.
The father-son duo also posed for a sweet solo shot together, where Cowell put his arms around his son and held his sunglasses.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Simon Cowell, Eric Cowell and Lauren Silverman at the “America’s Got Talent” Season 19 quarterfinals 4 held at Hotel Dena, Pasadena Los Angeles on September 3, 2024 in Pasadena, California. Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty
Back in June, Cowell opened up about how his son Eric saved him after both of his parents died.
Speaking on an episode of The Diary Of A CEO podcast released on June 10, Cowell shared how his son saved him during a dark period amid the loss of his parents, Julie and Eric, and his life being consumed by work. Cowell’s father Eric, whom his son was named after, died in 1999, while his mother Julie died 16 years later.
“I think particularly when I lost my mum, I was on a downward spiral at that point,” said the music industry executive. “I lost everyone, you know, I’ve lost my parents. It’s finality now. What I said about the material things I’ve got, everything just meant nothing at that point.”
But the TV personality said when he heard that his fiancé, whom he has been dating since 2004, was pregnant with their first child, it turned everything around.
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