Nursing Influencer Hailey Okula Dies from Childbirth Complications After Welcoming Son

The ER nurse and founder of RN New Grads leaves behind her husband, Matthew, and newborn son, Crew, as fundraising efforts surpass $223,000 to support her grieving family.

Hailey Okula, an ER nurse and social media influencer with over 400,000 followers, passed away on March 29, 2025, shortly after giving birth to her son, Crew, due to complications from childbirth.
Her husband, Matthew Okula, a Los Angeles Fire Department engineer, described her as a loving partner who showed incredible strength during their years-long struggle with infertility and IVF treatment.
Hailey founded RN New Grads in 2019, a platform dedicated to supporting new nurses, and was widely admired for her contributions to the nursing community and her candid advocacy for maternal health issues.
The Los Angeles Fire Department and her online community have rallied to support Matthew and Crew, with a GoFundMe campaign raising over $223,000 as of April 3, 2025.
Hailey's passing has sparked conversations about maternal health risks, even in advanced healthcare systems, and her legacy continues to inspire her followers and colleagues.