Hailey Okula, a nursing influencer, tragically died after giving birth to her and her husband Matt Okula’s first son. As her fans are mourning her loss, In Touch takes a look at how a seemingly healthy young woman went into cardiac arrest just minutes after welcoming her first child into the world.
What Is Amniotic Fluid Embolism or AFE?
Moments after Matt and Hailey’s son, Crew, was born, Hailey went into cardiac arrest and died on the operating table. Her death was caused by a condition known as an amniotic fluid embolism or AFE.
AFE is described as “a rare and life-threatening complication that occurs when a pregnant woman gets amniotic fluid into their bloodstream just before, during or immediately after childbirth,” according to the Cleveland Clinic. The site also stated that some people have a “severe allergic reaction” when amniotic fluid mixes with their bloodstream. AFE “can lead to heart and lung failure,” which includes cardiac arrest.
How Does an Amniotic Fluid Embolism Happen?
Amniotic fluid entering the bloodstream is a common occurrence in most deliveries, and most people have no issue with it. However, the few that suffer from an allergy to the amniotic fluid are at risk.
There’s very little, if any, warning that an amniotic fluid embolism is about to occur, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Plus, the signs and symptoms of an AFE are similar to many other conditions in pregnancy, it makes it more challenging to diagnose. These symptoms include shortness of breath, a sudden drop in blood pressure, chills and more.
Matt spoke about the incident to Fox 11 in Los Angeles after Hailey died.
“The doctors say it was from a very, very rare complication known as amniotic fluid embolism,” he told the outlet. “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.”
What Is Hailey Okula’s Age?
Hailey was just 33 years old when she died.
Who Is Hailey Okula’s Husband Matt?
Hailey’s husband, Matt, works as a firefighter in Los Angeles, and he was the one to share the heartbreaking news of Hailey’s death on social media.
“It is with the heaviest of heart that I share the devastating news of the unexpected passing of my beautiful wife, Hailey Marie Okula, due to complications from childbirth,” Matt wrote in part via Instagram on April 2, 2025. “Words cannot convey the depth of the loss I feel. Hailey was more than I could have ever dreamed of in a wife and partner. She was gorgeous, smart, hardworking, passionate, trustworthy, and above all else, unbelievably loyal. For nearly 13 years, she stood by my side in the hardest of times, loving me endlessly, even when I felt undeserving of that love. She was my everything.”
Matt also spoke about the couple’s emotional journey to becoming parents after suffering from infertility for several years. He said that he “knew Hailey would be an amazing mom” to their son, Crew, and “her spirit, courage and love will live on” in the little boy.
Hailey Okula Loved Her Job as a Nurse
Hailey was passionate about her job as a nurse and she found success as a content creator by helping educate newly graduated nurses. In 2019, she founded RN New Grads after she, herself, “struggled to find a centralized resource that provided information on hospitals that accepted RN new grads or had RN New Grad Programs.” As a way to help other new nurses find jobs, Hailey offered up different resources for those looking for work.
After her death, Matthew wrote about Hailey’s love for nursing.
“Hailey poured her soul into her career as a nurse and her passion for teaching others through her business, RN New Grads,” Matt wrote in a message shared on the RN New Grads Instagram page. “She was so proud of it and was dedicated to creating something meaningful, not just for herself, but for the nursing community she loved so much.”
Hailey Okula’s GoFundMe Receives Outpouring of Support
A GoFundMe was set up after Hailey’s death and donations quickly began to pour in.
“Matt is left to navigate life as a single father while grieving the love of his life. The nursery they built together is no longer a shared refuge but a place of both love and heartache. The late-night feedings, diaper changes and endless adjustments of new parenthood are his burden alone,” the description read.
It also listed several ways donations would be used to help Matt as he navigates becoming a single father and losing his wife, including funeral and memorial expenses for Hailey, household bills and utilities, future baby supplies and childcare for Crew and time off work so Matt can be present for his newborn son.
The description added that while Matt is “not one to ask for help,” he had “spent his life protecting others” and it was time for others to “protect” him.
