Nick Viall Breaks Silence on Hailey Merkt’s Passing
Former Bachelor lead Nick Viall has spoken out about the tragic loss of Hailey Merkt, a contestant from his season, who passed away at the age of 31 after a courageous battle with cancer.
On his podcast, “The Viall Files,” Viall shared his condolences, saying, “On a very sad note, Hailey Merkt passed away. She was on my season of The Bachelor, and although I didn’t get to know her well, I vividly remember her as very sweet and kind.”
Viall expressed his sadness over Merkt’s passing, saying, “It’s just very tragic. She struggled with a very tough battle with leukemia, and recently passed away.”
Members of The Bachelor season 21 cast are mourning Hailey Merkt. Hailey died at age 31 on July 26 following a battle with leukemia. Days later, news broke of her death when a post was uploaded via her Instagram honoring her. “Hailey faced this journey with unimaginable strength, grace, and selflessness,” a post via Hailey’s […]
Viall, who is now married to Natalie Joy and shares a daughter with her, sent his love to Merkt’s family, saying, “Our hearts go out to her family, who are obviously going through a tough time. It sounds like she really put up a very courageous fight, and, unfortunately, she’s [no longer] with us. But, very sad to see that she passed, and we’re definitely praying for her and her family.”
Merkt’s family confirmed her passing earlier this week, stating, “It is with broken hearts we share that our beloved Hailey has passed away after a courageous fight for her life. 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.”
Over the years, several former Bachelor and Bachelorette contestants have tragically died after competing on the show. Us Weekly confirmed in April 2014 that Eric Hill, who appeared on season 10 of The Bachelorette, passed away at the age of 26 after part of his parachute collapsed while he was paragliding in Utah. The accident […]
Many of Viall’s fellow contestants, including Vanessa Grimaldi, Raven Gates, and Liz Sandoz, shared their condolences in the comments section. Grimaldi wrote, “Our beautiful girl!! 
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.”
Danielle Maltby, meanwhile, revealed that she was “so lucky” to have bonded with Merkt on the show, saying, “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.”