Hailey Merkt, a former contestant on Season 21 of the popular reality TV show The Bachelor, has died at the age of 31 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Merkt’s sad demise was announced in a statement shared on Instagram, which says, “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,” it further reads.
The statement continued, “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.
“Rest in peace, Hailey,” the statement concluded alongside several adorable photos of Merkt.
Fellow Bachelor contestants, including Raven Gates, Dominique Alexis and Danielle Maltby expressed their sadness and condolences on social media.
Hailey Merkt appeared on Nick Viall's season of The Bachelor in 2017 and quickly became a fan favorite due to her personality.
