'Bachelor' alum Hailey Merkt dies at age 31, family says
Hailey Merkt, a contestant on Season 21 of "The Bachelor," died of cancer on July 26, her family said. She was 31.
"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," Merkt's family wrote in a July 30 post on Instagram.
"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," her family continued.
Merkt's family said she would be "remembered as anything but boring, always hysterically funny, and as someone who lived fully in the present moment," and that her "beautiful spirit has touched countless lives."
"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," her family said. "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."
According to a GoFundMe shared by her family, after Merkt received a bone marrow transplant earlier this year, 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," the GoFundMe stated.
Merkt had documented her journey with leukemia on her Instagram, posting photos from her treatment, as well as fashion and lifestyle inspiration.
She captioned one post from October: "A rare moment caught smiling during treatment :)"
The "Bachelor" alum's family thanked those who supported Merkt during her cancer journey, and asked for people to share their favorite memories with Merkt.
In the comments, several other contestants who competed with Merkt to win Nick Viall's love on Season 21 sent condolences:
"Our beautiful girl!! ???? This news broke me. You are such a light, your beautiful big smile will always be something I remember. Always. Rest easy, friend! ????????️ Sending big hugs to your loved ones xoxo," wrote Vanessa Grimaldi, who won Season 21.
"I count myself so lucky to know your laugh and grateful to have met and loved the realest, warmest, most beautiful soul in the weirdest of places ????forever grateful for your friendship there and in the real world…. What a force my girl, rest easy ???? so much love to all your people," Danielle Maltby wrote.
"My love, I hope you are in the most beautiful peaceful place. I can’t imagine that I won’t see you again but I’ll cherish every memory together. Love you ????," Dominique Alexis said.
"Oh my gosh!!! I’m so so sad to hear this ???? I was so hoping for her recovery. Rest easy, Hailey ???? you’ll never be forgotten," said Raven Gates.
According to the GoFundMe, there will not be an official funeral, "as per Hailey’s wishes."
This article was originally published on TODAY.com