‘The Bachelor’ Star Passes Away At 31

Tragic news has hit the cast from season 21 of “The Bachelor,” according to loved ones who said their beautiful daughter and friend tragically passed away at the age of just 31 earlier this week.

The season ran during 2017, when Hailey Merkt vied for the heart of protagonist Nick Viall. Family members wrote on Instagram that the young reality TV star had lost a lengthy battle against leukemia, according to the New York Post. “It is with broken hearts we share that our beloved Hailey has passed away after a courageous fight for her life,” the caption began. “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.”

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Merkt’s loved ones added she “will be profoundly missed by all who knew her” and directed fans to contribute to a GoFundMe page set up to support her family after the loss of a “difficult” cancer journey. “We invite you to share your favorite memories of our dear Hailey, whether through a direct message or by posting them. Your stories and moments mean the world,” her family wrote. Since her passing on July 26th of last week, fans have opened their wallets and raised more than $113,000. The charity will remain open until August 10th.

Despite being eliminated from “The Bachelor” season in its second week, Merkt left an indelible mark on her fellow cast members, many of whom expressed their grief on social media at her passing. “Baby girl 💔 we will love you always 🤍🕊️,” wrote Jasmine Goode, a fellow contestant who has since gone on to star in Bravo’s “The Valley.” She followed up, writing, “I’ll never forget that beautiful smile and laugh that made me crack up!! Love you🤍.” Danielle Maltby, another veteran of the show’s 21st season, 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 🌹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.”

Raven Gates, who came within spitting distance of winning the contest as the runner-up, said Haily’s memory will remain with those who never and loved her. “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,” she wrote. Season 21 winner Vanessa Grimaldi added, “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.”

Family members left behind, including her mother Michele, sister Jenny, brother Kyle, and “love of her life and soulmate” Henry, will not hold a funeral for Hailey, per her final wishes according to the obituary.

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