Nurse Influencer Dies in Childbirth After IVF Battle: Husband’s Heartbreaking Tribute

by

The nursing community is mourning one of their own. 

Sadly, Hailey Okula, a well-known figure in the nursing community as @rnnewgrads, passed away towards the end of last month during childbirth. Her husband, Matt Okula, announced this on April 2. She was 33 years old.

With deep sorrow, I announce the heartbreaking news that my beloved wife, Hailey Marie Okula, tragically passed away due to complications during childbirth. No words can express the depth of grief I am feeling. Hailey was far more than I ever imagined in a spouse and partner.

Matt described his wife as “beautiful, intelligent, diligent, fervent, reliable, and most importantly, extraordinarily devoted.” He continued by saying, “For about 13 years, she has remained steadfast by my side during the toughest of moments, showering me with love in abundance, even when I doubted my worthiness of that affection. She was my all.

During her cesarean delivery, Hailey unfortunately experienced an amniotic fluid embolism – a relatively uncommon heart-related issue that occurs when amniotic fluid enters the maternal bloodstream during labor. Sadly, she passed away only a few minutes after giving birth to Crew.

In a conversation with Fox 11 Los Angeles, I shared, “She sacrificed her life in the most selfless manner. For a fleeting moment, she caught sight of him, and that image is forever etched in my memory.

Hailey’s devastating death also comes after years of undergoing IVF treatment to become pregnant.

Matt, a firefighter from Los Angeles, expressed in his Instagram tribute that no words could fully convey the depth of their desire to become parents. After enduring years of infertility issues and a difficult IVF treatment, they were filled with joy upon learning they were expecting Crew. Despite Hailey encountering numerous obstacles throughout her journey, she faced each one with immense courage and love. Even though her body underwent significant challenges, her resolve never wavered.

Matt revealed that upon hearing the news that the couple was starting an IVF process, he “felt overwhelmed,” concerned about the potential health impacts it might have on his deceased spouse.

He reminisced about how “She gripped my face, met my gaze, and told me, ‘We’re a unit, we’ll navigate this challenge together,'” which was typical of Hailey. She was a fighter, a team player, someone who would go to great lengths for the people she cherished.

And that spirit will live on through their son. 

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase it as follows: “Though her time among us was heartbreakingly brief, Hailey’s boundless love for Crew had been there long before he even arrived. If given the chance, she would have been an extraordinary mother. Her vibrant spirit, unyielding courage, and profound love will continue to resonate in our son and all those whose lives she enriched.

Back in 2020, I couldn’t help but feel the heart and soul of Hailey pulsating through every post she made. She publicly announced that she was launching a platform with the mission of empowering and nurturing aspiring nurses like myself.

In my own words, bursting with fervor, I penned, “I yearned to nurture budding nurses to flourish, all the while cherishing our beloved Crew and crafting a life and heritage that filled me with immense pride.

Read More

2025-04-03 16:56