Nursing influencer Hailey Okula’s husband, Matthew Okula, promised to tell the couple’s son about his “amazing” mom following her recent death.
Matthew, who confirmed via Instagram on Tuesday, April 1, that Hailey had died “due to complications from childbirth,” took to the social media platform on Tuesday, April 8, to pay tribute to his late wife.
“I don’t have the words to fully express the weight of this loss, but I want to take a moment to honor the most incredible woman—my wife, Hailey ❤️,” he captioned a video that featured photos and videos of the couple enjoying happy times together. “I promise to tell Crew all about you—about your spirit, your strength, your kindness, and the incredible adventures we shared. I can’t wait to show him the pictures, to tell him the stories, and to make sure he knows just how amazing his mom was.”
Matthew’s tribute followed his interview with Fox 11 Los Angeles, who reported on Wednesday, April 2, that Hailey briefly met her newborn child on March 29, just moments prior to her passing. “She was able to see him for a split second, and I’m always going to remember that,” Matthew told the outlet. “It just came upon me so quickly and unexpectedly.”
Nursing influencer Hailey Okula had been candid about her pregnancy journey before her sudden death in childbirth. Hailey’s husband, Matthew Okula, confirmed in April 2025 that the registered nurse had died following “complications during childbirth.” Shortly before Hailey’s passing, she and Matthew welcomed their first baby, newborn son Crew. “Hailey’s strength was unparalleled. Words can’t […]
Hailey, known online as Nurse Hailey, faced a medical complication that resulted in death, with Matthew, a Los Angeles firefighter, telling the outlet that his wife suffered a cardiac arrest on the operating table. “The doctors say it was from a very, very rare complication known as amniotic fluid embolism,” Matthew said. “There’s no treatment, there’s no way of diagnosing it. It’s so sad to think of other people having to go through what I’m going through right now.”
His emotional Instagram tribute reflected on the life the couple had created together. “Thank you for all the beautiful memories we created together. Thank you for loving me, for traveling the world with me, and for filling our life with laughter, joy, and unforgettable moments,” Matthew wrote. “You gave me a love that was so deep, so real, and so unconditional. I will carry that with me for the rest of my life.”
From filmmakers to artists, Hollywood lost several stars in 2025. News broke on January 4 that Aubrey Plaza’s estranged husband, Jeff Baena, died one day earlier at the age of 47. Per medical examiner records viewed by Us Weekly, Baena died by suicide. “This is an unimaginable tragedy,” Plaza’s rep said in a statement to […]
Matthew continued, “Thank you for “forcing” me to go on that babymoon to Hawaii—which we had no idea would be our final trip together. It turned out to be one of the most special experiences of my life. We made memories there that I’ll hold onto forever. I miss you more than words can say. I love you endlessly, Hailey. Until we meet again, ❤️Matt.”
He concluded the tribute by acknowledging Hailey’s online community, which included more than 440,000 Instagram followers. “Thank you all for your patience and understanding as we navigate this transition,” Matthew wrote. “Hailey poured her heart into this business [RH New Grads, an educational platform for up-and-coming nurses], and we are committed to continuing her vision in her honor.”
