'The Bachelor' Star Hailey Merkt Dies At 31 After 'Courageous' Battle With Cancer

Hailey Merkt, a participant in Season 21 of "The Bachelor," has reportedly passed away at 31 after battling leukemia.

Despite sharing a hopeful update in April about being cancer-free post-transplant, the reality TV star tragically relapsed.

Following news of her death, Hailey Merkt's family and "Bachelor Nation" alums paid heartfelt tributes, celebrating her strength, humor, and zest for life.

The sad news of Merkt's passing was shared on Instagram in a heartfelt, lengthy message.

It read: "It is with broken hearts we share that our beloved Hailey has passed away after a courageous fight for her life."

The tribute continued, "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."

"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."

The family expressed gratitude to all who supported Merkt during her difficult journey and invited them to "share your favorite memories of our dear Hailey, whether through a direct message or by posting them. Your stories and memories mean the world."

In the comments section, Bachelor Nation alums paid tribute to Merkt, noting how kind a person she was.

Raven Gates, who also appeared on Season 21, wrote, "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."

Danielle Maltby, another contestant from the same season, shared, "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."

Maltby added, "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."

"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," wrote Bachelor Nation's Dominique Alexis.

Fans of Merkt shared sweet messages in her comment section and sent their condolences to her family.

One person wrote, "Hailey you brought positivity and laughs to everyone who entered your life. Rest in peace."

Another said, "Rest in peace, Hailey. You've left an abundance of light in this world, and I will cherish the memories we spent together. Sending love to your family during this time."

A third person commented, "This is heartbreaking. Hailey, you were the most admirable fighter. Sending your family and friends love and strength. Rest peacefully, angel."

Before her untimely passing, Merkt documented her battle with leukemia online, sharing moments of her journey with her followers.

In October, she posted, "A rare moment caught smiling during treatment."

The news of Merkt's passing comes after she shared a hopeful update in April on her GoFundMe page, announcing that she was cancer-free following a stem cell transplant from her brother Kyle.

"I still have a ton of healing ahead," she wrote in her message, per People Magazine. "My immunity will be the same as a newborn's up until 12 months post-transplant, so I'll be slowly and carefully getting better day by day."

She continued, "I am eternally grateful and in awe of my community, family, and friends. Despite facing a really bad situation with low odds and a long period of pain, I am so thankful for the love and selflessness of everyone who has supported me."

After Merkt's passing, a sad update was shared on her GoFundMe page.

"After the bone marrow transplant had taken, she was told she had nine months to not even think about cancer, but in truth she only had six weeks before she got the terrible news that leukemia cells were back and moving fast," wrote organizer Christopher Bennett. "Her first reaction was to say, 'I don't care about myself anymore, but I can't bear being the cause of so much pain for the people I love.'"

The update continued: "I am in awe of her. She had such clarity, independence, and grace. She decided to live every last minute to the fullest: being with the people she loved and doing the things she loved."

"She loved doing so many simple things. A drink on a patio. Being in the sun. Her family and friends. Her dog, Snuggles. Swimming. An organized cupboard. A checklist of tasks all ticked off. Hanging out in a favourite park. Looking beautiful, with all the creativity that entails. Being beautiful. A beautiful soul."

Merkt's GoFundMe page is expected to stay open until August 10, and the funds raised will be used to assist with "remaining costs that have overwhelmed Hailey's mother and family."