Tragic news from the world of reality TV:
Former The Bachelor contestant Hayley Merkurt, who competed for the affections of main character Nick Beal on season 21, has passed away.
She was 31 years old.
“We are heartbroken to hear that our beloved Hailey has passed away after a courageous fight for her life,” Hailey wrote on Instagram on Tuesday, July 30.
Here is a message from Merkt, who was diagnosed with leukemia:
“Haley has taken on this journey with unimaginable strength, grace and selflessness.
“Her determination, courage and will to live surpassed every timeline the doctors gave her, as she chose to spend her final moments with her loved ones and do what she cherished most, with no regrets.”
Merkt returned home in the second week of 2017.
Posts praising her life followed.
Hailey will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her laughter, her love, and her vibrant spirit have left an undeniable mark on our hearts.
We mourn her loss, but find comfort in knowing that her spirit will live on in the lives of all she touched. Rest in peace, Hailey.
As seen above, the post also noted that Merkt will be remembered as “never boring, always hysterically funny, and someone who lived fully in the moment.” Hailey embraced life with unparalleled enthusiasm. Her beautiful spirit touched the lives of countless others.
Several Bachelor Nation alumni expressed their sadness and grief over the reality star’s death.
“OMG!!! I’m so saddened by this news,” wrote Raven Gates, who also appeared on The Bachelor season 21. “I was hoping for her recovery. Rest in peace, Hailey. You will never be forgotten.”
Another suitor, Daniel Maltby, who appeared on the same season of the series, shared an even longer message in memory of Hayley Merkurt.
Maltby wrote:
“I feel so lucky to have known your smile and to have met and loved the most genuine, warm and beautiful soul in the strangest of places. I am forever grateful for your friendship there and in the real world… What a strength you were, my daughter, rest in peace. Sending much love to all of you.”
all GoFundMe Page — which is scheduled to run through Aug. 10 — is designed to support Merkt’s family and provides details about Hailey’s death.
“After receiving her bone marrow transplant, she was told to wait nine months to think about cancer, but in fact she only had six weeks to hear the devastating news that the leukemia cells were back and moving quickly,” the crowdsourcing site reads.
The conclusion is as follows:
“I was in awe of her. She had such clarity and independence and elegance.
“She was determined to live every last moment she had to the fullest. She loved being with people she loved, doing things she loved, and doing simple things. She loved having a drink on the patio. Being in the sun. Her family and friends. Her dog, Snuggles. Swimming. Organized cupboards. A to-do list with all the checklists written down. Playing at her favorite park.
“What looks beautiful, and all the creativity that comes with it. A beautiful thing. A beautiful soul…
We cannot accept a world without her, but we must accept it. We will hold her close to us forever.
