Introduction:
Hailey Okula, known widely as Nurse Hailey, tragically passed away on March 29, 2025, just after the birth of her son, Crew, following a two-year battle with infertility. Hailey had captured the hearts of her 425,000 followers on Instagram and many others, offering an inspiring and candid glimpse into her IVF journey and struggles with infertility. Her sudden passing has left her loved ones and followers devastated, as she was poised to embark on a new chapter of motherhood.
Hailey’s Infertility Journey
Hailey’s openness about her infertility journey resonated with countless people around the world. For nearly two years, she shared her struggles and the emotional highs and lows of the IVF process. Through her vulnerability, Hailey became a beacon of hope for those facing similar challenges. She broke down barriers and normalized conversations around infertility, providing support and encouragement to those who felt alone.
On September 16, 2024, Hailey joyfully shared the news on Instagram that she and her husband, Matt Okula, had finally achieved their dream of becoming parents. After years of trying, they were expecting their first child, and Hailey expressed her excitement and gratitude for the precious opportunity. “Without going too much into detail about my journey, the journey has been hard, but so worth it,” she wrote.
Hailey Okula/Instagram
A Tragic Loss
Hailey’s son, Crew, was born on March 29, 2025, via C-section. Just moments after giving birth, Hailey started to feel unwell. Her husband, Matt, recalls the terrifying moment when she told the nurses she wasn’t feeling right, just two minutes after Crew was born. It was soon after that Hailey went into cardiac arrest, and despite efforts to revive her, she tragically passed away.
Matt shared the heartbreaking details in an emotional Instagram post, stating, “It is with the heaviest of heart that I share the devastating news of the unexpected passing of my beautiful wife, Hailey Marie Okula, due to complications from childbirth.”
The Cause of Death: Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE)
According to Matt, Hailey died from a rare and life-threatening condition known as Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE). AFE occurs when amniotic fluid enters the bloodstream during or after childbirth, causing severe complications, including cardiac arrest. While AFE is rare, it is a leading cause of maternal death and affects around 1 in 40,000 births. Tragically, nearly 60% of those who experience AFE do not survive.
In an interview, Matt shared the gut-wrenching decision he had to make after Hailey’s collapse: whether to stay with her in the ICU or be with their newborn son. “Not a decision we thought I’d be making,” he reflected, devastated by the circumstances.
A Brief But Cherished Moment with Her Son
Although Hailey’s time with her son was tragically brief, she did manage to share a touching moment with Crew. According to reports, Hailey was able to see her newborn son for “a split second” before her passing. Matt described it as a moment he would “always remember.”
The Outpouring of Support
Hailey’s passing has sent shockwaves through the nursing community and beyond. As a nursing influencer and advocate for those struggling with infertility, Hailey’s honest, open approach helped many people facing similar struggles feel seen and heard. On social media, thousands of followers shared their condolences and expressed their heartbreak.
One follower wrote, “I’m heartbroken. Sending all the love to you and your family.” Another added, “Hailey was such an inspiration to the nursing community. I’m so heartbroken by this news. May she Rest In Peace and may you and your family find strength during this time.”
RNnewgrads/TikTok
A Legacy of Courage and Inspiration
Hailey’s legacy as a nurse, infertility advocate, and loving wife and mother will continue to inspire many, even as her story was tragically cut short. To support Matt and their son Crew, a GoFundMe page has been created, providing financial assistance as Matt navigates life without his wife.
In a statement, the page reads: “On what should have been the happiest day of their lives, Firefighter Matt Okula experienced the unimaginable.”
RNnewgrads/TikTok
Hailey’s courage, strength, and unwavering love for her family will live on through those who knew her, and her advocacy for infertility will continue to resonate with others in similar situations.
