In a heartbreaking turn of events, Hailey Okula, widely known as "Nurse Hailey," passed away at the age of 33 following childbirth complications. Her husband, Matthew Okula, shared the tragic news on Instagram on April 2, 2025, leaving her one million followers in shock. Hailey, an emergency room nurse and a beloved influencer, had documented her journey through infertility and pregnancy, making her sudden death all the more devastating.
Matthew Okula announced his wife’s death on Instagram, stating, "It is with a heavy heart that I share the tragic news of the unexpected passing of my beautiful wife, Hailey Marie Okula, due to complications related to childbirth." He further revealed in an interview with FOX 11 Los Angeles that Hailey suffered a cardiac arrest caused by an amniotic fluid embolism shortly after giving birth to their son, Crew, via cesarean section.
Hailey’s pregnancy had been a long-awaited miracle for the couple, who had struggled with infertility for nearly two years. Matthew expressed their joy at expecting a child, saying, "Words cannot describe how much we wanted to be parents. After years of battling infertility and a long, difficult IVF process, we were thrilled to be expecting Crew." Tragically, Hailey was only able to glimpse her son "for a fraction of a second" before her condition deteriorated.
Following her cesarean delivery on March 29, 2025, Hailey experienced severe complications. "A minute later, the doctor came in and informed me that they were performing CPR on her," Matthew recounted, his voice filled with emotion. The couple had documented their struggles and triumphs on social media, where Hailey had amassed a significant following due to her candid discussions about nursing and motherhood.
"She faced every obstacle with so much courage and love; even though her body had gone through so many trials, she never faltered," Matthew wrote in his tribute. He described her as a "beautiful, intelligent, hardworking, passionate, trustworthy, and above all, incredibly loyal" partner throughout their nearly 13 years together.
The news of Hailey's death has resonated deeply not only with her followers but also within the nursing community and among firefighters in Los Angeles, where Matthew works. A crowdfunding campaign was initiated to support Matthew and Crew, quickly raising over $368,000 to assist them during this challenging time.
Hailey Okula was known for her efforts to make nursing more accessible and relatable. In 2019, she founded "RN New Grads," a platform aimed at supporting newly graduated nurses with educational resources and advice to launch their careers. Her dedication to her profession and her willingness to share personal experiences inspired many aspiring healthcare professionals.
Amniotic fluid embolism, the rare complication that led to Hailey's death, occurs when amniotic fluid or fetal cells enter the mother's bloodstream, triggering severe reactions. This condition affects approximately 2 to 6 women per 100,000 births in the United States and can result in death in 20 to 40% of cases, as noted by the Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospitals.
As the community mourns the loss of Nurse Hailey, her legacy continues through the lives she touched and the awareness she brought to the nursing profession. Her story serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the profound love that exists between parents and their children.
Matthew Okula concluded his heartfelt message by emphasizing Hailey's love for their son, stating, "Although her time with us was tragically cut short, Hailey's love for Crew was limitless, even before his birth. She would have been an extraordinary mother." The outpouring of support from friends, family, and followers reflects the impact Hailey had on so many lives, and her memory will undoubtedly live on through the stories she shared and the community she built.
