Days before losing her battle with colon cancer, 26-year-old Bailey Hutchins shared her final TikTok post from her hospital bed, maintaining her trademark positivity.

For two years, the social media influencer touched millions of lives with her journey. When she passed away on February 7, her online community mourned the loss, expressing heartfelt grief for a stranger they had never met yet felt deeply connected to.

On January 31, 2023, Bailey’s then-boyfriend, Caden Hutchins, posted an emotional update on Instagram, revealing life-altering news. At just 24 years old, Bailey had been rushed to the emergency room after her health had taken a sudden turn. Following emergency surgery, doctors removed part of her colon, which was found to be cancerous.

“Bailey is now diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer,” Caden shared, adding, “Our next step is kicking cancer’s ass. I know with persistence, positivity, and determination, Bailey will push through this. She’s young, healthy, and strong—she’s going to look cancer in the face and beat it.”

Rather than withdrawing from the world, Bailey chose to turn her diagnosis into a message of hope and awareness. A registered nurse and beloved TikTok creator, she dedicated the next two years of her life to inspiring others. She encouraged early cancer screenings, shared candid updates about her treatment, and reminded her followers of the importance of resilience and gratitude. Through heartfelt videos, she educated her audience about the symptoms of colon cancer, the significance of early detection, and the realities of undergoing treatment. Despite the hardships, she balanced raw honesty with an unshakable spirit, always finding a reason to smile, dance, or express gratitude, no matter how difficult the days became.

Although Bailey’s initial diagnosis was Stage 3 colon cancer, it eventually progressed to Stage 4, with peritoneal metastasis—meaning the cancer had spread to the lining of her abdominal cavity. Despite the grim prognosis, Bailey continued to fight with everything she had, refusing to let her illness define her spirit. Even as her health declined in early 2025, she continued to update her followers, offering them glimpses of her strength and determination.

@healingwithbailey 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. This past month+ has been an absolute devastating nightmare for Bailey as well as our families. Bailey fought so hard these past 2 years. It’s been an incredible journey to watch and I am so honored to be your husband and caregiver. Her spirit is as radiant as the sun. Bailey is such a light, and we plan on continuing to let it shine on. Myself, and our families will share her platform to tell stories about great memories and knowledge passed on to us from B. She was and always will be such a spark to so many, her story will live on. -Caden #coloncancerawareness ♬ original sound – Bailey Hutchins

Her final TikTok post, shared on January 19, captured her unwavering spirit. From her hospital bed, Bailey greeted her followers with a smile. “Don’t mind my hair, I look crazy right now… We’re back with the crazy hair,” she joked. “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 had married Bailey in November 2023—took over her social media account, keeping supporters informed. On January 26, he shared that they were taking things “day by day” and expressed Bailey’s deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support she had received throughout her journey.

On February 8, Caden shared the heartbreaking news that Bailey had passed away 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 two years,” he wrote, accompanying the message with a TikTok clip set to Wiz Khalifa’s “See You Again.” The emotional video, which has been viewed over 10 million times, captures precious moments from the couple’s wedding day.

“Her spirit is as radiant as the sun,” Caden continued. “Bailey is such a light, and we plan on continuing to let it shine on. She was and always will be a spark to so many—her story will live on.”

Following the announcement of Bailey’s passing, social media was flooded with tributes honoring the profound impact she had made in such a short time. “I don’t have the words to express how sorry I am for your loss,” one fan wrote. “Bailey’s light radiated in every video. I didn’t know her, but I grieve her loss. She will be dearly missed.” Another follower shared, “The way my heart just sunk… I’m so, so incredibly sorry. I’m just a stranger on the internet, but I was so drawn to her beautiful spirit. Sending you love during this time.” A third commented, “I have never prayed and hoped for a miracle more than I did for Bailey. I’m so sorry for your loss,” while another echoed the sentiments of many, writing, “Crying for a stranger I just met a moment ago.”

Beyond condolences, many supporters shared how Bailey’s story had touched their lives. “I’ve been struggling with mental health this past year—I’ve spent most of my days in bed, just watching life go by. Bailey, I promise not to take life for granted anymore. Thank you for sharing your story,” one TikToker wrote. Another added, “Bailey kept my faith alive while I’ve been helping my husband through his colon cancer journey. We aren’t giving up.” A third follower shared, “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.”

On Valentine’s Day 2025, Caden marked his first holiday without Bailey since they began dating in 2013. Sharing a carousel of photos on Instagram, he offered a glimpse into their love story through images captured over the years. The touching caption began with, “I loved you in 2013,” and concluded with, “I loved you in 2025.”

Though her time was cut short, 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. Her light will never fade. Rest in peace, Bailey.

Please share your thoughts in the comments below and consider sharing this story with others, so Bailey’s legacy can continue to inspire.