Hailey Merkt, who appeared on Season 21 of *The Bachelor*, has died at the age of 31 after a fight with cancer, her family announced.
“We are heartbroken to share that our dear Hailey has passed away after a brave battle with cancer,” her family wrote on Instagram. “Hailey faced this challenge with incredible strength, grace, and selflessness.”
Hailey was known for her humor and lively personality, and her passing has deeply affected everyone who knew her.
Her family added that Hailey’s determination and will to live went beyond what doctors expected. In her final moments, she was surrounded by loved ones and did what she loved most, with no regrets. Hailey died on July 26.
Hailey’s family described her as someone who truly lived life to the fullest and made a lasting impression on everyone she met. “She will be remembered as anything but boring—always hysterically funny and fully present in every moment,” they said.
Her family added, “Hailey will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her. Her laughter, love, and vibrant spirit have left a lasting mark on our hearts.”
Amid the many heartfelt tributes, Hailey’s family took comfort in the impact she made on others. “Even as we grieve her loss, we find solace in knowing her spirit will live on in the lives she touched. Rest in peace, Hailey,” they concluded in their emotional message.
Hailey had been open about her fight with leukemia, sharing her journey and reflections with her social media followers.
Her family started a GoFundMe page to support her, where they mentioned that she had undergone a bone marrow transplant earlier this year. This procedure initially gave her hope, with doctors predicting she had nine months to live without cancer concerns. Unfortunately, just six weeks later, she discovered that leukemia cells had returned aggressively.
Throughout her battle with cancer, Hailey stayed positive, sharing her treatment experiences on Instagram along with fashion and lifestyle inspiration. In an October post, she even shared a rare smile from during her treatment, captioning it: “A rare moment caught smiling during treatment :).”
Her family has been deeply grateful for the support they received during her illness and encouraged people who knew Hailey to share their memories of her.
Several of Hailey’s fellow contestants from Nick Viall’s season of *The Bachelor* have paid tribute to her, expressing their heartbreak over the loss of their friend.
Vanessa Grimaldi, who won Nick Viall’s season of *The Bachelor*, wrote: “Our beautiful girl!! This news broke me. You are such a light, and your beautiful big smile will always be something I remember. Always. Rest easy, friend! Sending big hugs to your loved ones xoxo.”
Danielle Maltby shared a touching message: “I feel so lucky to have known your laugh and to have met and loved the warmest, most beautiful soul in the strangest of places Forever grateful for your friendship both there and in the real world… What a force, my girl. Rest easy Sending so much love to all your people.”
Dominique Alexis expressed similar feelings, saying: “My love, I hope you are in the most beautiful, peaceful place. I can’t imagine not seeing you again, but I’ll cherish every memory we shared. Love you .”
Raven Gates added: “Oh my gosh!!! I’m so, so sad to hear this I was hoping for her recovery. Rest easy, Hailey You’ll never be forgotten.”
In accordance with Hailey’s wishes, there will be no official funeral. Her family hopes that those who knew her will keep her memory alive by cherishing the moments they shared with her, as noted on the GoFundMe page.
“Quite Lacking in the Attractiveness Department,” Fans Divided After Finally Seeing Richard Gere’s Son
Richard Gere was present at the Cannes Film Festival alongside his wife Alejandra Silva and his 24-year-old son, Homer James Jigme Gere. Fans were captivated by Homer’s appearance, as the young man is very rarely seen in public.
Dressed in sharp black suits with matching bow ties and pristine white shirts, the father and son exuded elegance. Their joyful smiles and a heartfelt hug captured the attention of the cameras.
Online fans were astonished by Homer’s good looks. One user raved, “His eldest son is a cutie.” Another commented, “Beautiful guy!” A third remarked, “His son is gorgeous!”
That said, other fans still believed that the famous father looked better than the son. One observer wrote, ’’It seems like he inherited none of his father’s charm. [,,,] One might even question if they are truly related! Quite lacking in the attractiveness department, I must say.’’
Another remarked, ’’Beauty is a very subjective thing and I would say he looks nothing like his dad.’’
Homer, born in February 2000, was named after his paternal grandfather. This grandfather, who was Richard Gere’s father, lived until the age of 100 and passed away in 2023. Homer’s mother, Carey Lowell, is a model and actress who was Richard Gere’s second wife before they divorced.
Jane Fonda’s radiant and elegant appearance at Cannes 2024, at 86 years old, stunned fans. See the photos here.
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