TV Bachelor alum Hailey Merkt dies at 31 after battle with leukemia Merkt first shared her diagnosis with fans last October. By Lauren Huff Lauren Huff Lauren Huff is a writer at Entertainment Weekly with over a decade of experience covering all facets of the entertainment industry. After graduating with honors from the University of Texas at Austin (Hook 'em, Horns!), Lauren wrote about film, television, awards season, music, and more for the likes of The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline Hollywood, Us Weekly, Awards Circuit, and others before landing at EW in May 2019. EW's editorial guidelines Published on July 30, 2024 09:52PM EDT Hailey Merkt, a contestant on The Bachelor season 21, has died from leukemia. She was 31. Her loved ones shared the news on her Instagram account on Tuesday, alongside a touching tribute and collage of sweet pictures of Merkt. "It is with broken hearts we share that our beloved Hailey has passed away after a courageous fight for her life," the post 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.” Hailey Merkt on 'The Bachelor'. Mitch Haaseth/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty The message 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.” The post stated that Merkt will be "profoundly missed," with special shoutouts to her "laughter, her love, and her vibrant spirit," which "have left an undeniable mark" on the hearts of those who knew her. "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," the post read. Celebrity deaths 2024: Remembering the stars we've lost this year Merkt often shared updates on her Instagram account of her cancer battle, which she first shared with followers in an Instagram story last October. To that end, the post on Tuesday concluded by encouraging followers to share their favorite memories of Merkt on her account. A GoFundMe page set up for Merkt is also being left open until Aug. 10 for anyone wishing to offer support in lieu of flowers. Merkt was a contestant on Nick Viall’s season of The Bachelor, and several other alums from her season shared their condolences on the post. Jenn Tran, the first Asian Bachelorette, says it's 'unfortunate' there aren't more Asian men on this season “Oh my gosh!!! I’m so so sad to hear this 😢” wrote Raven Gates. “I was so hoping for her recovery. Rest easy, Hailey 🤍 you’ll never be forgotten.” “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,” Danielle Maltby added. Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more. Dominique Alexis also shared her thoughts, writing, “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 💔”