Nursing influencer Hailey Okula, known as "Nurse Hailey" to her over 425,000 Instagram followers, tragically passed away on March 29 due to complications from childbirth.
Her husband, Matthew, shared the heartbreaking news on her Instagram page, expressing, "It is with the heaviest of hearts that I share the devastating news of the unexpected passing of my beautiful wife, Hailey Marie Okula, due to complications from childbirth."
Hailey and Matthew had endured years of infertility struggles before conceiving their son, Crew, through in vitro fertilization (IVF). Matthew reflected on their journey, stating, "Hailey's strength was unparalleled. Words can't describe how badly we wanted to be parents. After years of infertility struggles and a long, challenging IVF process, we were overjoyed to be expecting Crew."
Tragically, minutes after delivering Crew via cesarean section, Hailey suffered a cardiac arrest caused by an amniotic fluid embol), a rare and often fatal childbirth complication. Matthew explained to Fox 11 Los Angeles, "There’s no treatment. There's no way of diagnosing it."
According to the National Library of Medicine, an amniotic fluid embolism is a rare pregnancy complication caused by “amniotic fluid, fetal cells, hair, or other debris” entering the “maternal pulmonary circulation, causing cardiovascular collapse."
Hailey was celebrated for her dedication to the nursing community. In 2019, she founded RN New Grads, a program designed to support newly graduated nurses by offering educational resources and interview assistance.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), where Matthew serves as an engineer, expressed their condolences on Instagram, acknowledging the profound loss and the support extended to Matthew and Crew during this unimaginably difficult time.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist Matthew and Crew, raising over $250,000 as of April 3. The fundraiser highlights Matthew's dedication to protecting others and emphasizes the community's commitment to supporting him in return.
The description for the fundraiser reads: "They faced every challenge together, determined to build the family they had dreamed of for so long. But in an instant, that dream was shattered.
"Now, Matt is left to navigate life as a single father while grieving the love of his life. The nursery they built together is no longer a shared refuge but a place of both love and heartache. The late-night feedings, diaper changes, and endless adjustments of new parenthood are his burden alone.
"Matt is not one to ask for help—but those who know him, especially his brothers and sisters in the fire service, know the kind of man he is. A man who has dedicated his life to protecting others. Now, it's our turn to protect him."