Nursing Influencer Hailey Okula Dies Moments After Giving Birth to Long-Awaited Child — Devastated Husband Speaks Out
Hailey Okula, a beloved nursing influencer known for her compassionate voice and candid stories from the front lines of healthcare, died unexpectedly just minutes after delivering her first child. The 32-year-old had spent years trying to conceive, sharing her fertility journey and pregnancy with her hundreds of thousands of followers. What should have been the happiest day of her life turned tragic in an instant.
Her husband, Michael Okula, now widowed and left to care for their newborn alone, broke his silence in an emotional statement posted to Hailey’s Instagram account on Saturday.
“She was so happy. So ready. She fought for this baby with everything she had,” he wrote. “And then in a blink, she was gone. I don’t know how to process this. I only know that I have to stay strong for our daughter, because that’s what Hailey would’ve wanted.”
Hailey reportedly experienced sudden complications shortly after delivering her baby via emergency cesarean section. Doctors acted quickly, but she went into cardiac arrest and could not be revived. The exact cause of death has not yet been released, pending further examination.
Okula had built a large and loyal following by sharing her experiences as a registered nurse, advocating for better working conditions in healthcare, and opening up about the toll of infertility. Her posts often combined humor, honesty, and hard truths, resonating with thousands who saw her as both a friend and a role model. Many of her followers had followed her journey from her early fertility struggles through to her final trimester.
In the weeks leading up to her delivery, Hailey had shared photos of her baby bump and her excitement about finally becoming a mom. “Every kick reminds me how far we’ve come,” she wrote in a post just days before her due date. “I can’t wait to hold her.”
Tributes flooded social media following the news of her death. Nurses, fellow influencers, and everyday followers shared stories of how Hailey’s words had comforted them during difficult times. Many remembered her for her strength, empathy, and relentless honesty.
“She made us all feel seen,” one commenter wrote. “She showed us the heart behind the scrubs.”
Michael Okula has asked for privacy as he grieves and adjusts to life as a single father. He did confirm that their newborn daughter, named Everly Grace, is healthy and currently surrounded by family.
“I see Hailey in her eyes,” he wrote. “And I promise to tell her every day how incredible her mother was.”
Hailey’s legacy lives on not only in her daughter, but in the community she built—a space for nurses, women, and families to find support and solidarity. Her voice may be gone, but her impact remains.
“She gave her whole life to caring for others,” Michael added. “And she gave her last breath bringing life into this world. That’s who she was.”
