Nick Viall Says He 'Vividly Remembers' Late Hailey Merkt, Who Competed on His “Bachelor” Season and Died from Cancer

"I remember her to be very sweet and kind," Viall said of Merkt

Nick Viall is opening up about the death of Hailey Merkt.

On the Thursday, August 1 episode of The Viall Files, the podcast host shared his memories of Merkt, who was a contestant on his season of The Bachelor. Thinking back to that time, Viall honored her legacy.

“On a very sad note, Hailey Merkt passed away,” he said at the beginning of the podcast. “Hailey was on my season of The Bachelor. She left week 2. I didn't really get to know her very well at all, but I very much vividly remember her, and I remember her to be very sweet and kind.”

Viall concluded with a sweet message for the reality personality and her family, saying that “it’s just very tragic.”

“She struggled with a very tough battle of leukemia it sounds like, and recently passed away, so our love and hearts go out to her family, who are obviously going through it,” he said. “It sounds like she really put up a very courageous fight, and, unfortunately, she is with us no more. But very sad to see that she passed, and we're definitely praying for her and her family.”

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Merkt had been documenting her cancer journey online before her death, even revealing she was “leukemia free” in April. However, an update following her July 26 passing at the age of 31 was posted on her GoFundMe, revealing her procedure was unsuccessful.

“After the bone marrow transplant had taken, [Merkt] was told she had nine months to not even think about cancer, but in truth she only had 6 weeks before she got the terrible news that leukemia cells were back and moving fast,” according to the page. “Her first reaction was to say, ‘I don't care about myself anymore, but I can't bear being the cause of so much pain for the people I love.’”

“I am in awe of her. She had such clarity and independence and grace,” the update continued. “She decided she wanted to live every last minute she had to the fullest: being with the people she loved and doing the things she loved, and she loved doing so many simple things. A drink on a patio. Being in the sun. Her family and friends. Her dog, Snuggles. Swimming. An organized cupboard. A checklist of tasks all ticked off. Hanging out in a favourite park. Looking beautiful, with all the creativity that entails. Being beautiful. A beautiful soul.”

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On July 31, a post on Merkt’s personal Instagram page announced the news of her passing with a series of images and a long, heartfelt tribute.

“It is with broken hearts we share that our beloved Hailey has passed away after a courageous fight for her life,” the caption read. “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.”

“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 caption concluded, “Hailey will be profoundly missed by all who knew her. Her laughter, her love, and her vibrant spirit have left an undeniable mark on our hearts. 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. 🤍”

Condolences poured in from friends and followers, with Bachelor Nation taking to the comments to show their support.

“Oh my gosh!!! I’m so so sad to hear this 😢” wrote Raven Gates, who also appeared on season 21 of The Bachelor. “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,” added Danielle Maltby, who was also a contestant in Viall’s season.

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