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Boise State Gymnastics Team Mourns Loss of Former Gymnast Hailey Okula After Childbirth Complications
The Boise State University gymnastics program is expressing its condolences following the tragic and untimely death of former team member Hailey Okula. Okula, a celebrated gymnast at Boise State, passed away suddenly due to complications arising from childbirth, leaving behind a newborn son and grieving husband. Her passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from the Boise State community and beyond.
Tribute from Boise State Gymnastics
In a heartfelt tribute shared on their official Instagram page on Friday, April 4th, the Boise State gymnastics team conveyed their sorrow. “We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of former Boise State gymnast, Hailey (Gaspar) Okula,” the post stated. The tribute highlighted Okula’s distinguished career with the Broncos from 2010 to 2012, noting her two All-Western Athletic Conference (WAC) First Team accolades. The team further recognized her impressive athletic achievements, including three scores of 9.950 on vault, and her contribution to the Broncos’ victory at the 2011 WAC Championships.
Hailey Okula’s Post-Gymnastics Career
The statement also acknowledged Okula’s successful transition from collegiate athletics to a fulfilling career in nursing. “Following her time as a student-athlete, Okula relocated to California and dedicated herself to nursing,” the Instagram post continued. It emphasized her dedication to education and mentorship within the nursing profession through her business, RN New Grads, aimed at supporting newly licensed nurses. The team concluded their message by extending sympathy to her family, stating, “Our thoughts are with her husband and newborn son as they navigate this devastating loss.”
Details of Hailey Okula’s Passing
Hailey Okula passed away on March 29th at the age of 33, shortly after the birth of her and her husband, Matthew Okula’s, first child, a son named Crew. She suffered a rare and critical childbirth complication known as an amniotic fluid embolism (AFE). AFE occurs when amniotic fluid enters the mother’s bloodstream, triggering a cascade of life-threatening reactions within the body.
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Husband Matthew Okula Shares His Grief
Matthew Okula, in an exclusive interview, described the sudden and unexpected nature of Hailey’s passing. “It’s incredibly rare and devastating,” Matthew, a firefighter, explained, highlighting the medical team’s efforts. “Her OBGYN said they were doing everything they could, but it just took over.” He expressed his disbelief, stating, “I couldn’t wrap my head around it. She was so healthy, everything had gone well, and then suddenly she was gone.”
He further detailed the severity of the medical crisis, “Even in the ICU with every specialist — cardiologists, pulmonologists — no one could save her. It was just so fast, and her body was overwhelmed with multiple organ failures simultaneously: heart failure, lung failure, internal bleeding. There’s no established treatment protocol for AFE. Medical professionals can only manage each complication as it arises, attempting to sustain the patient’s life.”
Remembering Hailey’s Legacy
Hailey and Matthew Okula’s relationship began in college, culminating in their marriage in 2022. After facing two years of infertility, they celebrated a successful in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle the previous year. Hailey announced her pregnancy publicly via Instagram in September 2024.
Keeping Hailey’s Memory Alive
In the wake of Hailey’s unexpected passing, Matthew is dedicated to ensuring their son, Crew, develops a deep connection with his mother’s memory. “I talk to him about her constantly. I want him to know how amazing she was — how much she’s still doing for us,” Matthew shared. “He’s going to hear about her all the time. I show him her nursing videos and her gymnastics performances. She was not only a successful entrepreneur but also a Division I gymnast, a wonderful wife, sister, daughter, and friend. She made a significant impact on countless lives.”