Hailey Okula, a popular nursing influencer known online as Nurse Hailey, tragically passed away from a rare amniotic fluid embolism shortly after giving birth to her first child, her husband Matthew Okula confirmed. The 29-year-old ER nurse and founder of RN New Grads delivered her son Crew via cesarean section on Saturday before suffering sudden cardiac arrest.
“She went into cardiac arrest, and the doctors say it was from a very, very rare complication known as amniotic fluid embolism,” Matthew, a Los Angeles firefighter, informed through visible grief. “She gave her life most nobly.” He shared that Hailey had just a fleeting moment to see their newborn before her condition rapidly deteriorated.
The heartbreaking loss comes after the couple’s challenging fertility journey. Hailey had built a devoted following by mentoring new nurses through her RN New Grads platform while openly documenting her path to motherhood. “She dreamed of helping new nurses thrive while also being present for our sweet Crew,” Matthew wrote in an Instagram tribute, posting raw wedding footage to showcase her vibrant spirit beyond nursing.
Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) occurs when uterine fluid enters the bloodstream, triggering a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction. Dr. Erin Higgins of Cleveland Clinic explains that AFE can cause cardiopulmonary collapse, hemorrhaging, and multi-organ failure within moments.
“Patients go from fine to crisis instantly—it’s one of obstetrics’ most unpredictable emergencies,” said Higgins, noting the condition affects just 2–6 in 100,000 deliveries. With no known risk factors or prevention methods, survival hinges on immediate CPR and rapid medical intervention. Mortality rates range from 10% to 90%, leaving families like the Okulas in devastating limbo.
Matthew recounted the agonizing choice between staying with his wife in the ICU or awaiting their newborn. Now mourning the “most amazing mom” Hailey would have been, he finds solace in their son: “Her love will live on in Crew and everyone she inspired.”
The tragedy has reignited conversations about maternal healthcare gaps, following other high-profile cases like the Georgia woman arrested after a miscarriage. As the nursing community mourns Hailey’s loss, her legacy endures through the countless caregivers she empowered.
