Hailey Merkt, former 'The Bachelor' contestant, dies at 31

Hailey Merkt, a former contestant on "The Bachelor," has died after a battle with cancer. She was 31.

News of Merkt's death was shared in a post on her Instagram page on Tuesday, which said she died "after a courageous fight for her life." According to a GoFundMe page for Merkt, she had been suffering from leukemia.

"Hailey faced this journey with unimaginable strength, grace, and selflessness," the post on Merkt's Instagram page said. "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."

The post added, "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. 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."

Merkt was a contestant on the Nick Viall-led 21st season of "The Bachelor," which aired on ABC in 2017. She was eliminated during the second week.

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Merkt had been documenting her battle with cancer on Instagram and in October shared a photo of herself undergoing treatment. "A rare moment caught smiling during treatment," she captioned the picture.

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According to the GoFundMe page linked on her Instagram, Merkt "was told she had nine months to not even think about cancer" after a bone marrow transplant but subsequently learned "leukemia cells were back and moving fast."

A previous update on the GoFundMe from April was signed by Merkt, who said she was leukemia-free.

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"Thank you to everyone who supported Hailey during this difficult journey," the Instagram post announcing Merkt's death said. "We invite you to share your favourite memories of our dear Hailey, whether through a direct message or by posting them. Your stories and moments mean the world."

Vanessa Grimaldi, the winner of "The Bachelor" Season 21, paid tribute to Merkt in an Instagram comment.

"Our beautiful girl!! 💔" she wrote. "This news broke me. You are such a light, your beautiful big smile will always be something I remember. Always. Rest easy, friend! 🤍🕊️ Sending big hugs to your loved ones xoxo."