Husband of Nursing Influencer Who Died After Childbirth Shares Emotional Baby Update

The world of nursing and social media lost a beloved figure when Hailey Marie Okula, an emergency room nurse and nursing influencer known as Nurse Hailey, passed away following childbirth complications. The wife of Los Angeles firefighter Matthew Okula, Hailey’s story is one of love, courage, and tragedy that has touched many lives. Here is an intimate look at their journey, her legacy, and the rare medical condition that led to her untimely death.

A Journey Marked by Hope and Heartache

Hailey and Matthew Okula’s path to parenthood was filled with challenges. After years of struggling with infertility, they bravely pursued in vitro fertilization (IVF). Hailey openly shared this journey with her followers, inspiring many in similar situations. In September 2024, she joyfully announced her pregnancy, embracing the moment despite the physical and emotional hurdles ahead.

"She faced every hurdle with so much courage and love," Matthew recalled. Hailey’s determination and passionate spirit were evident throughout their efforts, with Matthew describing their relationship as a true partnership in overcoming obstacles together.

The Joy of New Life and Sudden Tragedy

On March 29, 2025, the couple welcomed their son, Crew, weighing just over nine pounds. Hailey delivered via cesarean section at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California. What should have been a day of celebration quickly turned devastating: shortly after giving birth, Hailey went into cardiac arrest.

Doctors informed Matthew that Hailey was undergoing CPR, battling a condition called an amniotic fluid embolism (AFE), an extremely rare but life-threatening complication that occurs when amniotic fluid enters the mother’s bloodstream, triggering severe reactions. Despite the best medical efforts, Hailey tragically passed away, leaving Matthew to face unimaginable loss.

The Rare and Deadly Condition: Amniotic Fluid Embolism

Amniotic fluid embolism affects approximately one in every 40,000 deliveries and carries a very high mortality rate. The condition causes blockages in blood vessels, potentially leading to heart failure, respiratory distress, brain damage, or kidney failure. Symptoms can include sudden shortness of breath, low blood pressure, abnormal heart rates, and bleeding.

Matthew, a firefighter and experienced medic, had never encountered AFE before his wife’s ordeal. He now works to raise awareness about this rare complication, hoping to educate others so that future cases might be identified and treated more swiftly.

Hailey’s Legacy as Nurse Hailey and RN New Grads

Beyond her work as an emergency room nurse, Hailey was a beloved influencer with over 440,000 Instagram followers. Through her platform, Nurse Hailey, she launched RN New Grads in 2019, a program dedicated to helping newly graduated nurses navigate the challenges of starting their careers. Her passion for nursing education and support left a lasting impact on the nursing community.

Matthew continues to honor Hailey by maintaining the RN New Grads platform and sharing their journey, including updates on baby Crew, whose arrival symbolized hope amid heartbreak.

Life After Loss: A Father’s Journey

Nearly five months after Hailey’s passing, Matthew openly shares the personal struggles and triumphs of raising their son without her. He has spoken candidly about moments of deep sorrow and the ongoing process of healing, sharing videos of himself caring for Crew and reflecting on Hailey’s enduring presence in their lives.

Matthew’s heartfelt posts serve as a tribute to Hailey’s memory and encourage others to recognize the fragility and preciousness of life.

Community Support and Remembrance

The Los Angeles Fire Department, where Matthew serves as an engineer, paid tribute to Hailey, offering support to him and their newborn during this difficult time. The nursing and firefighting communities have rallied around the family, holding vigils and fundraising events in Hailey’s honor.

Her story resonates widely, inspiring awareness about childbirth risks and the importance of support systems for families facing devastating loss.

In remembering Hailey Marie Okula, her courage as a nurse, influencer, and mother shines through, demonstrating the strength of love and the resilience needed to face life’s most profound challenges. Her legacy continues in the lives she touched and in her son, Crew, who carries her spirit forward.