Hailey Merkt, a contestant on season 21 of 'The Bachelor,' has died at 31 after a courageous battle with leukemia, her loved ones announced on Instagram on Tuesday.

Merkt's passing on July 26, as confirmed by her GoFundMe page, marks a somber moment for her family, friends, and fans who followed her brave journey through leukemia documented on social media. Despite a bone marrow transplant in April 2024, the cancer returned swiftly, leading to her untimely death. Former castmates and many others have taken to social media to pay tribute to Merkt, remembering her strength and grace during one of life’s toughest battles.

Hailey Merkt's loved ones broke the heartbreaking news of her death via her own Instagram account, where she had previously shared updates about her health and battle with leukemia. The post highlighted her strength, grace, and selflessness throughout her illness.

After receiving a bone marrow transplant as a part of her treatment, Merkt announced she was 'leukemia free' in April 2024. However, just six weeks after the transplant, her cancer cells returned and started progressing rapidly, marking a devastating turn in her fight against the disease.

Hailey Merkt's battle with leukemia was not fought in isolation; she chose to document her journey publicly, allowing her followers to witness her resilience and courage. In October, she posted a photo of herself undergoing treatment, showing the realities of her fight in a transparent and vulnerable manner.

Hailey Merkt's final days were spent according to her wishes – surrounded by her loved ones and engaging in activities that brought her joy. Her family's decision to forgo a traditional funeral reflects her personal wishes, focusing instead on the memories she created and shared with those closest to her.

In the wake of her death, Merkt's loved ones have encouraged people to share their favorite memories of her. This invitation has led to an outpouring of stories and tributes, both through direct messages and public posts, creating a collective remembrance of her life and impact.

Tributes from Merkt's former castmates from 'The Bachelor' Season 21, including Jasmine Goode, Danielle Maltby, Raven Gates, and Vanessa Grimaldi, highlighted the bonds formed during their time on the show. They shared heartfelt messages and memories on social media, reflecting the deep sense of loss felt by those who knew her.

Hailey Merkt first appeared on 'The Bachelor' in 2017, though she was eliminated in the second week of the competition. Despite her brief stint on the show, she made a lasting impression on her fellow contestants and many viewers.

Throughout her life, Hailey Merkt embodied a spirit of strength and positivity, even in the face of adversity. Her willingness to share her personal battle with leukemia openly has not only raised awareness about the disease but also inspired many who followed her story.

As the community continues to mourn the loss of Hailey Merkt, her legacy of courage and openness remains a powerful reminder of her impact on those who knew her and her followers online. The collective tributes and shared memories serve as a testament to the life she lived and the many lives she touched.