Days before she lost her battle to colon cancer, 26-year-old Bailey Hutchins shared her last TikTok post from her hospital bed with continued positivity.
For two years the social media influencer inspired millions with her journey and when she died on February 7, the online community mourned her death, “crying for a stranger” they had never met.
On January 31, 2023, Caden Hutchins shared an upsetting post on Instagram where he shared some shocking news about his then girlfriend, Bailey Hutchins, who was 24 at the time.
“The past week has been a rollercoaster, Baileys’ health has declined to a point where we had no other option but to bring her into the ER,” he writes, explaining that after emergency surgery, part of Bailey’s colon was removed and “determined cancerous.”
“Bailey is now diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer, our next step is kicking cancers ass. I know with persistence, positivity, and determination Bailey will push through this. She’s a young, healthy, strong person that’s going to look cancer in the face and put an end to it.”
Resilience
Bailey, a registered nurse and beloved TikTok creator, spent the next two years of her life turning personal hardship into a powerful message of awareness and hope.
Instead of retreating in fear, she chose to use social media to encourage early cancer screenings, share candid updates about her treatment, and remind her followers to live life with resilience and gratitude.
Through heartfelt videos, she educated her followers about the symptoms of colon cancer, the importance of early diagnosis, and the realities of treatment. She balanced raw honesty with an unshakable spirit, always finding a reason to smile, dance, or express gratitude – no matter how tough things got.
‘I’m alive’
Though the initial diagnosis was Stage 3 cancer, it progressed to Stage 4 with peritoneal metastasis, meaning it had spread to the lining of her abdominal cavity. Despite the grim prognosis, Bailey continued to fight with everything she had, refusing to let the disease define her spirit.
As her health declined in early 2025, she continued updating her followers – until her final post on January 19, where she shared a TikTok clip from her hospital bed.
“Don’t mind my hair, I look crazy right now…We’re back with the crazy hair,” she starts. “But yeah, I’m not going to share any updates on what’s actually going on with me, I just can’t, I just cannot. But I’m here. And I’m alive,” she reassured her concerned fans.
In the days that followed, Caden – who made Bailey his wife in November 2023 – took over her account to keep supporters informed, sharing on January 26 that they were taking things “day by day” and expressing Bailey’s deep gratitude for everyone who had supported her along the way.
‘Her story will live on’
On February 8, Bailey’s husband announced on social media that his wife, 26, died the night before.
“Last night our Bailey B passed on to Heaven. Although we selfishly wanted her here forever we are at peace knowing that she no longer has to endure any pain or suffering…Bailey fought so hard these past 2 years,” Caden captions the TikTok clip that’s been viewed 10 million times.
The post heartbreaking post is set to Wiz Khalifa’s “See You Again,” that shows the gorgeous couple on their wedding day. He continues, “Her spirit is as radiant as the sun. Bailey is such a light, and we plan on continuing to let it shine on. She was and always will be such a spark to so many, her story will live on.”
‘Beautiful spirit’
Since the announcement of her passing, tributes have flooded social media, honoring the incredible impact Bailey made in such a short time.
“I don’t have the words to express how sorry I am for your loss. Bailey’s light radiated in every video. I didn’t know her, but I grieve her loss. She will be dearly missed,” shares one fan.
“The way my heart just sunk…I’m so so incredibly sorry. I’m just a stranger on the internet but was so drawn to her beautiful spirit. Sending you love during this time,” a second writes.
“I have never prayed and hoped for a miracle more than I did for Bailey. I’m so sorry for your loss,” offers a third while another writes, “Crying for a stranger I just met a moment ago.”
‘Angel on Earth’
Meanwhile, other netizens shared personal stories of how Bailey Hutchins inspired their own journeys.
“I’ve been struggling with mental health the past year, I been in bed most of my days, watching life go by. Bailey, I promise to not take life for granted anymore, thank you for sharing your story,” writes one TikToker.
“Oh I’m so devastated to see this-Bailey kept my faith alive while I’ve been helping my husband in his colon cancer journey. We aren’t giving up,” offers a second netizen.
Another user shares, “I’m a 47-year-old colon cancer survivor. I started following Bailey a year ago. Her strength and journey helped more people than she ever knew. Angel on Earth she was.”
Valentine’s Day 2025
Celebrating his first Valentine’s Day without Bailey since they first started dating in 2013,
Caden shared a carousel of photos on Instagram, showing the two in various stages of their relationship since 2013. The images are captioned, “I loved you in 2013,” to “I loved you in 2025.”
Bailey Hutchins was more than a TikTok influencer – she was a beacon of hope, a symbol of resilience, and a reminder that even in the darkest times, we can choose to live with love and purpose. Rest in peace, Bailey. Your light will never fade.
Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section below and then share this story with others, so Bailey can continue to inspire!