Hailey Merkt, a contestant on Season 21 of The Bachelor, has died after a long battle with leukemia. The 28-year-old reality TV star was diagnosed with the disease in 2017 and had been open about her battle on social media.
Merkt's death was announced on Tuesday, July 30, in a post on her Instagram account. The post read, "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."
The post went on to describe Merkt as "anything but boring, always hysterically funny, and as someone who lived fully in the present moment." It also thanked those who had supported her throughout her journey and encouraged fans to share their favorite memories of her.
Merkt's friends and fellow Bachelor Nation stars have taken to social media to pay tribute to her. Danielle Maltby, who also appeared on Nick Viall's season of The Bachelor, wrote, "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... What a force my girl, rest easy."
Raven Gates, the runner-up on Season 21 of The Bachelor, added, "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."
Merkt's GoFundMe page will remain open until August 10 to help support her family and loved ones during this difficult time.
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