The Bachelor alum Hailey Merkt has died at 31 following a battle with cancer.
On Tuesday, July 30, a message on Merkt's Instagram account announced the news alongside a carousel of photos.
"It is with broken hearts we share that our beloved Hailey has passed away after a courageous fight for her life," the update read.
"Hailey faced this journey with unimaginable strength, grace, and selflessness," it continued. "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."
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The death announcement described Merkt—who appeared on Nick Viall 's season of The Bachelor in 2016—as "anything but boring, always hysterically funny, and as someone who lived fully in the present moment. It also noted that she "embraced life with an unmatched zest; her beautiful spirit has touched countless lives."
"Hailey will be profoundly missed by all who knew her," the message declared. "Her laughter, her love, and her vibrant spirit have left an undeniable mark on our hearts. 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. 🤍"
In lieu of flowers, the Instagram update pointed those who wished to donate to a GoFundMe campaign .
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Former Bachelor contestants reacted to Merkt's death in the comments, with fellow Season 21 contestant Raven Gates writing, "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.”
Dominique Alexis , who also competed for Viall's affections, commented, "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 💔."
Meanwhile, Season 21 contestant Danielle Maltby 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 🌹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."
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