Single man Graduate Hayley Markt: Nick Viall’s Hart appeared on Season 21 of the ABC reality dating competition series in 2017. DeadShe was 31 years old.
News of Merkut’s death was announced Tuesday in a statement posted to her Instagram page, which also included a slideshow of snapshots celebrating her life.
“We share with heartbroken hearts that our beloved Hailey has passed away after a courageous fight,” the statement read. “Hailey faced this journey with unimaginable strength, grace and selflessness. Her determination, courage and will to live exceeded all deadlines her doctors gave her, and she chose to spend her final moments surrounded by her loved ones and doing the things she valued most, without any regrets.”
“She will forever be remembered as someone who was never boring, always so funny, and lived life to the fullest,” the statement continued. “Hailey embraced life with unmatched passion and her beautiful spirit touched the lives of countless people.”
“She will be deeply missed by all who knew her,” the moving eulogy said. “Her laughter, her love and her vibrant spirit left an undeniable mark on our hearts. While we are saddened by her passing, we are comforted knowing that her spirit will live on in the lives of all those she touched. Rest in peace, Hailey.”
Since her leukemia diagnosis, Hailey has been speaking out about her battle with cancer on social media. In April, she On the GoFundMe page She was declared “cured of leukemia.”
A campaign update released after her death revealed that Merkut died on July 26th.
“After her bone marrow transplant, she was told not to think about cancer for nine months, but it only took six weeks before she received the terrible news that her leukemia had returned and was progressing rapidly,” the update explained. “She was remarkably alert, independent and graceful. She was determined to live every last minute to the fullest, with the people she loved and doing the things she loved.”
She is survived by her mother, Michelle Merkt, and siblings, Jenny and Kyle.
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