Tragic Loss of Nursing Influencer Hailey Okula

In a heartbreaking turn of events, nursing influencer Hailey Okula, known as “Nurse Hailey” to her followers, has passed away due to complications arising from childbirth. The loss was announced by her husband, Matthew Okula, who is a firefighter with the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), shortly after the couple welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Crew.

Matthew took to Instagram to share his profound grief and honor the legacy of his beloved wife. "It is with the heaviest of heart that I share the devastating news of the unexpected passing of my beautiful wife, Hailey Marie Okula,” he began, expressing the deep void left in his life. He painted a loving portrait of Hailey, highlighting her beauty, intelligence, dedication, and unwavering support throughout their nearly 13 years together.

Hailey’s journey to motherhood was laden with hardships as the couple faced years of infertility struggles, including a challenging IVF process. "After so much waiting, we were finally expecting Crew," Matthew said, celebrating their triumph over adversity. He recalled how Hailey faced each obstacle with incredible strength and love, embodying the spirit of a true fighter.

Sadly, her struggle did not end with pregnancy. Just moments after delivering Crew, Hailey experienced severe complications and went into cardiac arrest. Matthew described the ordeal in an interview, sharing that doctors informed him Hailey had suffered from amniotic fluid embolism (AFE), a rare and life-threatening condition that occurs when amniotic fluid enters the mother's bloodstream during or after childbirth.

Devastated by the loss, Matthew expressed his belief that Hailey would have made an exceptional mother. "Her love for Crew was limitless, even before he entered this world," he remarked, adding that her spirit and bravery would live on through their son.

Beyond her personal struggles, Hailey was a passionate advocate for the nursing community. She founded RN New Grads, a program dedicated to helping newly graduated nurses navigate their careers successfully. Her efforts provided educational resources, interview support, and even nursing apparel to celebrate and uplift the profession.

With her social media presence boasting over 425,000 followers on Instagram and more than 200,000 followers on TikTok, she was not just an influencer; she was a beacon of hope for many. Through her content, she documented her fertility journey and shared her knowledge as a nurse, making a lasting impact on the lives of her followers.

In the aftermath of this tragedy, Matthew has pledged to continue Hailey’s mission within RN New Grads, ensuring that her vision and legacy live on. He acknowledged the community that supported her and asked for patience as he navigates this loss while managing her business.

The LAFD also paid tribute, expressing their sorrow and offering support to Matthew and his newborn son in this unimaginably difficult time. The fire department's Instagram highlighted Hailey’s contributions and the bond that her family shares with the first responders.

Matthew urged those who loved Hailey to keep her memory alive through the content she created and to contribute in any way they can as he adjusts to life without her. "Please continue to hold our family, and especially little Crew, in your prayers as we learn to carry on without her,” he requested, reminding everyone of the powerful love and light Hailey brought into their lives.

As the nursing community and her followers mourn, Hailey Okula’s remarkable journey of love, hope, and resilience will undoubtedly continue to inspire many for years to come.