A Heartbreaking Loss, TikTok Influencer Dies After Giving Birth

In a devastating turn of events, beloved California nurse and influencer Hailey Okula, known on social media as "Nurse Hailey," tragically passed away following childbirth complications. Her death, which occurred shortly after delivering her son, Crew, has left her family, friends, and millions of followers heartbroken.

Hailey’s husband, Matthew Okula, shared the heartbreaking news through an emotional TikTok video and Instagram post, where he described the depth of the loss he feels. He wrote, "Words cannot convey the depth of the loss I feel. Hailey was more than I could have ever dreamed of in a wife and partner. She was gorgeous, smart, hardworking, passionate, trustworthy, and above all else, unbelievably loyal." For nearly 13 years, the couple faced life’s challenges together, and Matthew expressed that Hailey’s love was a constant source of strength, even in the toughest moments.

Hailey, a passionate emergency room nurse, was well-known on social media for her engaging posts, educational content, and support for aspiring nurses. But her journey to motherhood was one marked by adversity. After struggling with infertility for nearly two years, Hailey and Matthew turned to in vitro fertilization (IVF) to conceive. The couple’s struggles with infertility and their IVF journey were shared with her followers, offering a glimpse into the emotional and physical toll the process took on her.

On September 16, 2024, Hailey posted a candid update about her infertility struggles, expressing the immense joy and relief she felt upon learning she was pregnant after undergoing IVF. "Without going too much into detail about my journey from my infertility problems, to my husband‘s infertility problems... the journey has been hard, but so worth it," she shared. For many, her openness became a source of inspiration, providing hope to others going through similar struggles.

Finally, after a long road, Hailey gave birth to her son, Crew, by C-section. Matthew recalled the emotional moment he saw their son for the first time, describing Hailey as tearfully looking at their newborn, her personality shining through even in that brief moment. But soon after the delivery, tragedy struck. While Matthew walked out of the room with his newborn son, doctors began performing CPR on Hailey. She had suffered a rare and severe complication known as amniotic fluid embolism (AFE).

AFE occurs when amniotic fluid enters the bloodstream, typically during or after delivery, causing an allergic reaction in the body. This rare and often fatal condition leads to heart and lung failure and uncontrollable bleeding. According to the Cleveland Clinic, AFE affects about 1 in every 40,000 deliveries in the U.S. Sadly, Hailey’s condition quickly worsened, and despite the efforts of the medical team, she passed away shortly after giving birth.

Matthew described the unimaginable dilemma he faced in the moments following Hailey’s death: “Am I going to the ICU with my wife, or am I staying with my newborn, little baby?” he said in his interview with a Los Angeles TV station. It’s a choice no parent should ever have to make.

In his heartfelt message, Matthew also reflected on Hailey's strength throughout their IVF journey, a process that took a toll on her body and emotions. He shared how Hailey faced the struggles with courage, always reassuring him that they were a team and would get through it together.

Beyond her professional and personal struggles, Hailey was a fierce advocate for aspiring nurses. Her TikTok account featured a wealth of advice and encouragement for those pursuing a nursing career, helping countless people navigate the application process and find the courage to follow their dreams. She even built a business, RN New Grads, to assist nursing students with study materials and advice, a legacy that continues to impact future nurses. Despite her passing, Matthew has pledged to honor her memory by continuing the business in her name, offering her digital products for sale as a way to keep her vision alive.

As friends, family, and followers continue to mourn the loss of Hailey, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Matthew and their newborn son. As of Thursday afternoon, the campaign had surpassed its $250,000 goal, demonstrating the widespread love and admiration for Hailey.

"Hailey’s legacy goes beyond the work she did or the aspirations she carried," Matthew shared in his Instagram tribute. "Her love for Crew was limitless, long before he entered this world. She would have been the most amazing mom. Her spirit, courage, and love will live on in our son, and through everyone whose lives she touched."

Though her time was tragically short, Hailey’s impact on those who knew her — whether personally or through her social media — is undeniable. Her strength, kindness, and unwavering support for others will continue to inspire, especially as Matthew raises their son in her honor.

In one final reflection on his wife’s life, Matthew shared, "She gave her life in the most noble way. She was able to see him for a split second. I'm always going to remember that." Hailey’s love for Crew will live on forever, and through her husband’s words, her memory will continue to inspire others, especially those in the nursing community she so lovingly supported.

Hailey Okula’s story is one of resilience, love, and an unwavering dedication to her family, her career, and her followers. As her husband navigates life without her, one thing is clear: Hailey’s influence will never fade, and her love will continue to shine through the life of her son, Crew.