Hailey Okula death: Nursing influencer ‘Nurse Hailey’ dies of childbirth complications after welcoming first child

Nursing influencer Hailey Okula, who shared her fertility journey with her more than half a million social media followers, has died shortly after delivering her first child.

The 33-year-old, known online as ‘Nurse Hailey’, suffered a rare cardiac complication during the caesarean birth of her son Crew, known as an amniotic fluid embolism (AFE).

The tragic news was announced by her husband Matt Okula in a social media post on Hailey’s Instagram account on April 2.

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Matt told Fox 11 Los Angeles Hailey was able to see their son “for a split second” before she died on March 29, adding he is “always going to remember that”.

“It is with the heaviest of heart that I share the devastating news of the unexpected passing of my beautiful wife, Hailey Marie Okula, due to complications from childbirth,” he wrote on Instagram.

“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.”

Matt described his late wife as “gorgeous, smart, hardworking, passionate, trustworthy, and above all else, unbelievably loyal”.

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“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,” he said.

Matt accompanied his heartfelt words with a tribute video, which he captioned, “Rest in peace my beautiful loving wife, Hailey Marie Okula “Nurse Hailey”.

Watch the video above.

The video shows the couple on their wedding day, and includes multiple images taken during their fertility journey and a touching video of Hailey in labour being supported by Matt.

An AFE is a rare but life-threatening complication that occurs when amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus in the uterus enters the mother’s bloodstream.

Amniotic fluid entering the blood stream is a normal part of the birthing process.

In cases of AFE, the mother has suffered an extreme allergic reaction to that fluid, known as anaphylactic syndrome of pregnancy. The reaction is sudden, and difficult to treat.

Hailey launched her social “Nurse Hailey” platform in 2020 with the aim of supporting aspiring nurses.

She shared her life along the way, including her marriage to Matt and their struggle to conceive.

In her first fertility post shared on April 24, 2024 she said she struggled to decide if she should share their IVF journey before ultimately deciding to go ahead with the news.

“Let our journey officially begin…🤰❤” she said in a post shared on April 24.

The couple fell pregnant later that year, with the overjoyed mum-to-be sharing regular updates along the way.

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The news of her death has been met with shock by her followers and those who had been lucky enough to cross paths with her.

“I’m heartbroken. Sending all the love to you and your family,” one follower commented.

“She was my nurse during one of my toughest hospitalizations. I’ll never forget her kindness and quick help,” one wrote.

”So sorry for your loss. Hailey was amazing and had the most incredible impact on the nursing community. Keeping you, Crew and your family in my prayers,” another said.

“She had already won the most amazing mother award by being a safe home for Crew to grow. She did THAT, and that itself is the purest act of love and strength,” one wrote.

“I know she would have been over the moon to be a mama earthside but just know she’s so happy to have been his home.”

Others offered Matt their support during this difficult time.

“Matt – a year ago I lost my wife to AFE as well,” one follower wrote.

“She was also a nurse, and the most beautiful person inside and out, and never even got to meet our son. I’d love to talk when you’re ready.

“It’s a tough road ahead, but I’m one of the few who understand the pain.”

“Hey Matt- my husband is LAFD & my doula team would love to come support you if you need anything at all,” another offered.

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“Our postpartum doulas can help and support daytime & overnight no cost at all. reach out if you need anything. Sending love. We are so sorry for your loss.”

The couple’s local community has rallied around Matt who is now a single father to the couple’s son Crew. Matt works as a firefighter but is currently on leave.

In one of her final posts Hailey shared the couple’s bathroom renovation while she was 37 weeks pregnant.

“I must admit, it was worth peeing in the Home Depot bucket for a few days!” she shared.

“Three main reasons I wanted this done:▪️To add a tub to bath the baby in▪️Moved the plumbing to the other side – the toilet was in the way with the original plumbing so we wouldn’t fit to be able to bath him▪️Those damn doors came off the track multiple times and almost knocked me out.”

She also continued her nursing influencer posts including one where she tested her nursing followers on their knowledge of common medications.

She also shared a ‘day in the life’ video during late pregnancy showing her typical routine as a nurse.

In the weeks before her death, Hailey shared videos showing her getting her hair done, preparing their son’s nursery and from her baby shower.

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