Health
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Nurse Hailey Okula Dies After Childbirth Complications
Popular Nursing Influencer Hailey Okula Dies Unexpectedly After Childbirth
Los Angeles, CA – Hailey Okula, a well-known ER nurse and social media influencer known as “Nurse Hailey,” passed away unexpectedly on March 29, 2025, due to childbirth complications, her husband, Matthew Okula, announced on April 1st. The news, shared on her Instagram account with over 420,000 followers, sent shockwaves through the nursing community and her vast online following.
Okula, who openly documented her infertility struggles and subsequent pregnancy journey on Instagram, had given birth to her first child, a son named Crew, just minutes before experiencing cardiac arrest, according to Fox 11 Los Angeles. Her husband, an engineer with the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), shared a heartfelt tribute, describing his wife as “gorgeous, smart, hardworking, passionate, trustworthy, and above all else, unbelievably loyal.” He detailed their years-long struggle with infertility, undergoing IVF treatments before finally conceiving. He emphasized her unwavering strength and determination throughout the process, stating, "She held my face, looked into my eyes, and said, 'We are a team, and we’ll get through this together.'"
Okula founded RN New Grads in 2019, a program providing educational resources and interview assistance to newly graduated nurses. Her online presence built a large and engaged community, sharing both professional and personal experiences, including her pregnancy journey. This vulnerability resonated deeply with her followers, many of whom expressed their shock and grief online, sharing personal anecdotes of her kindness and support.
The LAFD also issued a statement expressing its profound sorrow at the loss of Mrs. Okula. A GoFundMe page established to support Matthew and baby Crew has already raised over $223,000 as of April 3rd, highlighting the outpouring of support from the community. The page describes Matthew's unexpected transition to single parenthood while grieving the loss of his wife. The overwhelming response underlines the significant impact Hailey Okula had on her followers and the broader nursing community. Her legacy of compassion and dedication to both her patients and her online community will undoubtedly be remembered.
Los Angeles, CA – Hailey Okula, a well-known ER nurse and social media influencer known as “Nurse Hailey,” passed away unexpectedly on March 29, 2025, due to childbirth complications, her husband, Matthew Okula, announced on April 1st. The news, shared on her Instagram account with over 420,000 followers, sent shockwaves through the nursing community and her vast online following.
Okula, who openly documented her infertility struggles and subsequent pregnancy journey on Instagram, had given birth to her first child, a son named Crew, just minutes before experiencing cardiac arrest, according to Fox 11 Los Angeles. Her husband, an engineer with the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), shared a heartfelt tribute, describing his wife as “gorgeous, smart, hardworking, passionate, trustworthy, and above all else, unbelievably loyal.” He detailed their years-long struggle with infertility, undergoing IVF treatments before finally conceiving. He emphasized her unwavering strength and determination throughout the process, stating, "She held my face, looked into my eyes, and said, 'We are a team, and we’ll get through this together.'"
Okula founded RN New Grads in 2019, a program providing educational resources and interview assistance to newly graduated nurses. Her online presence built a large and engaged community, sharing both professional and personal experiences, including her pregnancy journey. This vulnerability resonated deeply with her followers, many of whom expressed their shock and grief online, sharing personal anecdotes of her kindness and support.
The LAFD also issued a statement expressing its profound sorrow at the loss of Mrs. Okula. A GoFundMe page established to support Matthew and baby Crew has already raised over $223,000 as of April 3rd, highlighting the outpouring of support from the community. The page describes Matthew's unexpected transition to single parenthood while grieving the loss of his wife. The overwhelming response underlines the significant impact Hailey Okula had on her followers and the broader nursing community. Her legacy of compassion and dedication to both her patients and her online community will undoubtedly be remembered.
