Hailey Okula dies during childbirth after 2-year struggle to get pregnant
Millions of people are familiar with Hailey Okula as Nurse Hailey, who won hearts on social media with her open and motivational account of her pregnancy and infertility experience.
A Tragic Loss: Beloved Nursing Influencer Passes Away After Childbirth
The world of nursing and social media was shaken by the heartbreaking news of Hailey Okula’s passing—just days after she welcomed her long-awaited child into the world. Known for her raw honesty and unwavering strength, Hailey had spent years sharing her deeply personal battle with infertility, offering hope and solidarity to thousands who walked a similar path.
With over 425,000 followers on Instagram, Hailey’s journey through a grueling two-year struggle with infertility and IVF resonated deeply with many. Her openness shattered stigmas, giving countless individuals the courage to share their own experiences. But in a cruel twist of fate, she will never get to see the child she fought so hard to bring into this world grow up.
On March 29, shortly after giving birth, Hailey suffered cardiac arrest and tragically passed away. Her husband, Matthew Okula, confirmed the devastating news in a heartfelt Instagram post on April 1.
“It is with unimaginable sorrow that I share the passing of my beautiful wife, Hailey Marie Okula. She encountered complications during childbirth, and the loss I feel is beyond words. I could never have asked for a more incredible wife, partner, and mother to our child. Hailey was radiant, brilliant, hardworking, passionate, and above all, fiercely loyal.”
Matthew also reflected on Hailey’s extraordinary resilience, particularly during their painful journey through infertility.
“For nearly 13 years, she stood by my side through every high and low, loving me unconditionally—even when I didn’t feel worthy of it. Her strength during our IVF journey was unparalleled. There are no words to describe how much we longed for this baby.”
After years of heartbreak, they were overjoyed to be expecting their miracle baby, Crew. Despite the physical and emotional toll of infertility and IVF, Hailey never wavered in her love and determination. She faced every challenge with grace, courage, and an unbreakable spirit.
Her loss is immeasurable, but the legacy she leaves behind—one of resilience, honesty, and hope—will continue to inspire generations to come.
A Love That Endured: Hailey Okula’s Unwavering Strength
Reflecting on one of their most profound moments, Matthew Okula recalled the day he broke down in tears, apologizing to Hailey for the toll the infertility treatments had taken on her.
“I will never forget that moment. I sobbed, telling her how sorry I was for everything she had to endure. But Hailey, in her unwavering strength, simply cupped my face, looked me in the eyes, and said, ‘We are a team, and we’ll get through this together.’ That was who she was—a fighter, a partner, a woman who would sacrifice everything for the people she loved.”
After nearly two years of relentless struggles, heartbreak, and hope, Hailey and her husband, Los Angeles Fire Department firefighter Matt Okula, finally received the news they had prayed for. In September, she joyfully announced their pregnancy, calling the moment “indescribable.”
“Without diving too much into the details, this journey has been incredibly difficult—but so, so worth it,” she wrote in an emotional Instagram post on September 16.
Their long-awaited son, Crew, arrived via cesarean section on March 29. Though their time together was heartbreakingly brief, Hailey had the chance to see him, hold him, and even share a lighthearted moment.
Reporter Hailey Winslow revealed that Hailey, upon seeing her baby boy for the first time, lovingly joked about “how big he was.”
That fleeting exchange, filled with warmth and humor, encapsulated who Hailey was—someone who found joy even in the most challenging moments. Her legacy of love, resilience, and unwavering devotion will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
A Love That Endured: Hailey Okula’s Unwavering Strength
Reflecting on one of their most profound moments, Matthew Okula recalled the day he broke down in tears, apologizing to Hailey for the toll the infertility treatments had taken on her.
“I will never forget that moment. I sobbed, telling her how sorry I was for everything she had to endure. But Hailey, in her unwavering strength, simply cupped my face, looked me in the eyes, and said, ‘We are a team, and we’ll get through this together.’ That was who she was—a fighter, a partner, a woman who would sacrifice everything for the people she loved.”
After nearly two years of relentless struggles, heartbreak, and hope, Hailey and her husband, Los Angeles Fire Department firefighter Matt Okula, finally received the news they had prayed for. In September, she joyfully announced their pregnancy, calling the moment “indescribable.”
“Without diving too much into the details, this journey has been incredibly difficult—but so, so worth it,” she wrote in an emotional Instagram post on September 16.
Their long-awaited son, Crew, arrived via cesarean section on March 29. Though their time together was heartbreakingly brief, Hailey had the chance to see him, hold him, and even share a lighthearted moment.
Reporter Hailey Winslow revealed that Hailey, upon seeing her baby boy for the first time, lovingly joked about “how big he was.”
That fleeting exchange, filled with warmth and humor, encapsulated who Hailey was—someone who found joy even in the most challenging moments. Her legacy of love, resilience, and unwavering devotion will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
A Mother’s Love That Transcends Time
Despite the painfully short time Hailey Okula had with her newborn son, her love for him was boundless—one that had existed long before he ever entered the world.
“Even though her time with us was tragically brief, Hailey loved Crew unconditionally before he was even born. She would have been the most incredible mother. Her strength, love, and spirit will live on through our son and all the lives she touched.”
—Matthew Okula
In an interview with KTTV, Matthew revealed that Hailey passed away due to amniotic fluid embolism (AFE), a rare but often fatal complication that occurs when amniotic fluid enters the mother’s bloodstream during childbirth.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, AFE is an unpredictable and devastating condition that affects approximately 1 in 40,000 births in the United States. Though rare, it remains one of the leading causes of maternal mortality and is the primary cause of postpartum cardiac arrest. Tragically, statistics from the Mayo Clinic indicate that over 60% of women who experience AFE do not survive.
Hailey’s sudden decline happened in mere moments. Just two minutes after giving birth via C-section, she told the nurses that she wasn’t feeling well—then, without warning, went into cardiac arrest.
Her passing is an immeasurable loss, but the love she poured into this world will never fade. Her son, her family, and the thousands she inspired will carry her legacy forward, ensuring that her light continues to shine.
A Heartbreaking Decision No One Should Have to Make
As Matt Okula stood in the hospital, what should have been the most joyful moment of his life turned into an unthinkable nightmare.
“A minute later, the doctor comes in and lets me know that they’re doing CPR on her,” he recalled, his voice heavy with grief.
Then came the impossible choice—one no husband should ever have to make:
“Am I staying with my newborn baby, or am I going to the intensive care unit with my wife?”
It was a decision they never imagined he would face, especially after Hailey had longed for motherhood with every fiber of her being.
Despite the tragedy, one fleeting moment of beauty remains etched in Matt’s heart. Earlier this year, he had been on the front lines of the Palisades Fire, risking his life as a firefighter. But nothing compared to the moment Hailey first laid eyes on their son—a split second that Matt will cherish forever.
“She got to see him, even if just for a moment. That’s something I will always remember.”
A Community in Mourning
The devastating news shattered Hailey’s community of followers, who had been deeply invested in her journey through infertility. With more than 200,000 fans on TikTok and hundreds of thousands on Instagram, she had touched countless lives with her raw honesty, unwavering resilience, and inspiring advocacy.
Messages of sorrow and gratitude flooded social media:
💔 “I’m devastated. Sending you and your family all my love.”
💔 “Hailey was an incredible inspiration. This loss is unbearable.”
💔 “Many of us are completely broken. Hailey changed so many lives. We promise to stand by Matt and baby Crew. We love you forever, Hails.”
💔 “Hailey’s impact on the nursing community was immeasurable. She was a guiding light. May she rest in peace.”
Honoring Hailey’s Legacy
To support Matt as he embarks on this heartbreaking new chapter as a single father, a GoFundMe page has been launched in his honor.
“Firefighter Matt Okula faced the unthinkable on what should have been the happiest day of their lives,” the page reads.
Though Hailey’s time on Earth was tragically cut short, her influence—as a nurse, an infertility warrior, and a beacon of hope—will continue to inspire millions.
