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.
Gordon Ramsay, 57, and His Wife Tana, 49, Proudly Introduced Their 6th Baby to the World
Gordon and Tana Ramsay are parents to a large brood, but they decided not to stop there and recently became parents for the 6th time. They welcomed their son, Jesse James, and shared heartwarming photos of the little one, who has already celebrated his first month.
After Gordon and Tana got married, they faced difficulties conceiving a child. Initially, Tanya was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, and later, Gordon encountered fertility issues. However, they didn’t give up and decided to try IVF. Fortunately, it worked, and in 1998, their first daughter Megan was born. But they didn’t stop there, and about a year later, the family welcomed two adorable twins, Jack and Holly.
In 2001, another addition to the family arrived. Little Matilda was born, and from the age of 9, she participated in her father’s culinary shows.
After the birth of their four children, Gordon and Tana had to endure a loss. In May 2016, they announced that they were expecting another child. However, a month later, Gordon revealed that the baby would not be born. At that time, his support was crucial for Tana. She shared that Gordon couldn’t be there when their four children were born, but he was with her at the most critical moment.
The loss only strengthened the family, and the couple became even more attentive to each other. Gordon never left Tana’s side, and in April 2019, he was there when their fifth child, Oscar, was born.
The birth of their sixth child was a miracle for the family. Gordon is 57 years old, and Tana is 49. The arrival of the new addition to the family brought out the tender side in both parents. Tana admitted that Gordon is, in fact, a very gentle and vulnerable person.
Despite Gordon’s well-known bold on-camera persona, he disclosed that his wife, Tana, is the stronger of the two. “Tana’s super fierce, an ex-Montessori school teacher. So, I’m the softie,” he said. His wife also confirmed this, “He is, believe it or not, incredibly sensitive.”
Following the baby’s birth, Gordon, 57, was the first to announce the news, sharing snapshots of their newest addition to the Ramsay family. On his Instagram gallery, the Kitchen Nightmares host captioned, “What an amazing birthday present please welcome Jesse James Ramsay, 7lbs 10oz whopper,” he captioned the post.
The heartwarming photo captured the baby boy in a snug white onesie decorated with tiny red, blue, and gray stars. Wrapped in a blanket, the little one looked more than cozy. Tana, 49, expressed her feelings in the caption, “One month of this little one already, loving every minute.”
Motherhood after 40 is becoming more and more common. Take a look at other stars who have given birth after the age of 40, and some even after 50.
Preview photo credit tanaramsay / Instagram, gordongram / Instagram
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