Hailey Okula, a prominent nursing influencer, tragically passed away late last month. This heartbreaking news was confirmed by her husband, Matthew Okula. The couple had welcomed their son, Crew, after overcoming a two-year battle with infertility. Unfortunately, Hailey suffered a cardiac arrest shortly after giving birth on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
In a poignant interview with FOX 11 Los Angeles, Matthew shared that the cardiac arrest was induced by an amniotic fluid embolism.
On April 1, Matthew took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message, posting a video featuring a collage of memorable moments from their relationship. The accompanying caption expressed immense love and admiration for Hailey:
“She was gorgeous, smart, hardworking, passionate, trustworthy, and above all else, unbelievably loyal. For nearly 13 years, she stood by my side in the hardest of times, loving me endlessly, even when I felt undeserving of that love. She was my everything.”
To support the grieving family, a GoFundMe campaign was launched, raising over $264,000 by April 3. The page featured several touching photographs of Hailey with Matthew and their newborn son Crew. Jason Teter, the organizer of the fundraiser, expressed gratitude towards the community, stating:
“Every kind word, shared memory, and personal story has brought us comfort during this unimaginably difficult time.”
Hailey Okula’s Inspiring Journey Through Infertility
Renowned for her strong social media presence, Hailey Okula amassed approximately 430,000 followers on Instagram. She rose to fame by candidly sharing her two-year journey with infertility, culminating in a successful pregnancy through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
In September of last year, Hailey joyfully announced her pregnancy, sharing with her followers the complexities of her path:
“Being able to say that we are pregnant is indescribable. From my infertility problems, to my husband’s infertility issues, to us having to create a special probe because we both carry the same genetic disease, lots of meds and lots of money, the journey has been hard, but so worth it.”
In February 2025, she celebrated her baby shower, a moment that resonated with many who found her content helpful while navigating nursing school or dealing with infertility. As reported by The New York Post, Hailey’s followers often credited her with providing valuable support and guidance.
Hailey began her social media journey in 2020, motivated by her desire to assist aspiring nurses. Her Instagram and TikTok accounts primarily showcased nursing content, interspersed with glimpses of her personal life, including memories from her baby shower.
In light of her untimely passing, the comment sections of her posts have become a space filled with condolences from followers and the broader community, all grappling with the shock of her loss.
Hailey’s tragic experience with an amniotic fluid embolism—a rare yet serious complication during pregnancy—highlighted the unpredictable challenges some women face during childbirth. In this condition, amniotic fluid, along with fetal cells or tissue, can inadvertently enter the mother’s bloodstream, leading to severe consequences.
According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, such complications may lead to significant respiratory issues, cardiac arrest, or excessive bleeding. The Cleveland Clinic further notes that the precise causes of this rare condition remain largely unknown.