Influencer Hailey Okula’s husband reveals her cause of death, details tragic final moments in delivery room

New York Post - Apr 3rd, 2025

The tragic passing of nursing influencer Hailey Okula after giving birth to her first child has left her husband, Matthew Okula, grappling with an unimaginable loss. In a heartfelt interview with Fox 11 Los Angeles, Matthew recounted the bittersweet moments he shared with Hailey as they joyfully welcomed their newborn before she succumbed to an amniotic fluid embolism, a rare and often fatal childbirth complication. Faced with the devastating choice between being by his wife’s side in the ICU or staying with their newborn, Matthew highlighted the deep love and loyalty that defined his nearly 13-year relationship with Hailey. Her untimely death marks the end of a two-year journey to motherhood that had inspired countless followers on social media.

Hailey's story underscores the critical risks associated with childbirth complications such as amniotic fluid embolism, which accounts for 7.5% of maternal deaths, as noted by the National Institutes of Health. The impact of her death resonates beyond her immediate family, touching the lives of her many followers who admired her resilience and dedication to becoming a mother. Matthew's tribute to Hailey, capturing their love and her unwavering support throughout their relationship, highlights the personal and collective grief felt by those who knew her personally or through her online presence. This tragic event serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the profound challenges faced by women in childbirth worldwide.

Social Media Hailey Okula Matthew Okula Amniotic Fluid Embolism Maternal Death Childbirth Complications Nursing Influencer Fox 11 Los Angeles

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The story provides a heartfelt and poignant account of Hailey Okula's tragic death, effectively highlighting the emotional impact on her family and followers. It is well-written and timely, addressing significant public interest topics such as maternal health risks and infertility struggles. However, the article could benefit from additional perspectives and expert insights to enhance its balance and source quality. Greater transparency regarding the sources and methodology would also improve its credibility. Overall, the article succeeds in engaging readers and raising awareness about important issues, but it could have a more substantial impact with a more comprehensive approach.

Accuracy

The story presents a generally accurate account of Hailey Okula's death and the circumstances surrounding it. The main facts, such as Hailey's cause of death being an amniotic fluid embolism and the emotional account given by her husband, Matthew Okula, align with verified information. However, the story could be improved by providing more detailed statistics on amniotic fluid embolism, such as its incidence rate and how it compares to other causes of maternal death. While the article mentions a 7.5% contribution to maternal deaths, further context or citation from authoritative sources like the National Institutes of Health would enhance accuracy.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on the personal and emotional aspects of Hailey Okula's story, particularly from the perspective of her husband. While this provides a compelling narrative, it lacks balance by not including broader perspectives, such as medical expert opinions on amniotic fluid embolism or insights from Hailey's social media followers. Including these perspectives would provide a more comprehensive view of the impact of Hailey's death on different communities.

Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the narrative of Hailey's final moments and the aftermath of her death. The language is emotive yet straightforward, making it accessible to a general audience. However, the article could benefit from more precise definitions of medical terms like 'amniotic fluid embolism' to enhance reader understanding.

Source quality

The story relies heavily on Matthew Okula's account and statements made to Fox 11 Los Angeles, which are credible but limited in scope. The story would benefit from additional sources, such as medical experts or official statements from health organizations, to corroborate the medical details and provide a more rounded view. The reliance on a single primary source limits the depth of the reporting.

Transparency

The article provides some context about Hailey's death and her influence as a social media personality. However, it lacks transparency in explaining how the information was gathered and does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest. Greater transparency about the sources of information and the methodology behind the reporting would improve the article's credibility.