The Bachelor's Hailey Merkt Dead at 31, Family Shares Touching Tribute

Bachelor Nation is mourning the loss of former contestant Hailey Merkt, who has passed away at the young age of 31.

For those who don’t know, Hailey was a contestant on Nick Viall‘s season of The Bachelor back in 2017 when she was only 23. She was eliminated in the second week.

Hailey‘s family shared the devastating news on her Instagram page on Tuesday (July 30), four days after she tragically died.

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Hailey sadly lost her battle with cancer.

“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 family said on Instagram. “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.”

They continued, “Hailey will be profoundly missed by all who knew her. 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. ????”

The family’s GoFundMe page is still open for anyone hoping to make a donation to offset the medical bills Hailey and her family faced during the cancer battle.