Taken far too soon, rest in peace

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Hailey Merkt, a former contestant on The Bachelor, passed away at the age of 31 after a courageous battle with leukemia.

The heartbreaking news of her tragic passing was shared on her personal Instagram account by her family who expressed their grief while celebrating her incredible strength, grace, and selflessness throughout her fight.

“It is with broken hearts we share that our beloved Hailey has passed away after a courageous fight for her life,” their message read. “Hailey went on this journey with unimaginable bravery, kindness, and selflessness. Her bravery, determination, and will to live came through in the face of every deadline the doctors gave her. She chose to spend her last moments with family and friends doing what she loved most, with no regrets.”

Hailey, born on November 3, 1992, in Vancouver, Canada, had appeared on Season 21 of The Bachelor in 2017, where she competed for Nick Viall’s affections.

Aside from her reality TV stint, Hailey was a photographer and had worked as a senior marketing and communications manager. She had studied Communication and Media Studies at Carleton University and earned a diploma in print journalism from Conestoga College.

In April 2024, she was declared cancer-free but her condition suddenly worsened just three months later, leading to her untimely passing on July 26, 2024.

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In her final months, Hailey continued to share her journey on social media, chronicling both her victories and struggles. Her death prompted an outpouring of tributes from her fellow Bachelor contestants, who remembered her as a vibrant, funny, and loving person.

Her friends, family, and former contestants of the reality show paid their tributes to the young woman.

“I count myself so lucky to know your laugh and grateful to have met and loved the realest, warmest, most beautiful soul in the weirdest of places. Forever grateful for your friendship there and in the real world…. What a force my girl, rest easy. So much love to all your people,” one of the former The Bachelor contestants wrote.

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“Oh my gosh!!! I’m so so sad to hear this. I was so hoping for her recovery. Rest easy, Hailey, you’ll never be forgotten,” another contestant, Raven Gates, posted.

Dominique Alexis, who was also featured on Hailey’s season of The Bachelor, extended her heartfelt condolences. “My love, I hope you are in the most beautiful peaceful place. I can’t imagine that I won’t see you again but I’ll cherish every memory together. Love you,” she posted.

Hailey’s family thanked everyone who showed their support and donated on the GoFundMe page set up to help with the medical expenses.

Rest in peace, Hailey.

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A well-known actress has tragically passed away in a car accident

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A fatal car accident claimed the life of 22-year-old Kamylla Cristina Rosa de Oliveira, an actress, a model, and social media influencer from Brazil.

The young woman reportedly experienced issues with a wheel while driving along the GO-217 motorway in Piracanjuba, in the Brazilian state of Goiás. She pulled over onto the hard shoulder, where a driver struck her and fled the scene.

At the time of the incident, Kamylla, which went by the name Mila Maria on the social media, was together with two friends. However, the friends couldn’t provide details about the vehicle that killed their friend besides that it was driving in the same direction as them.

Kamylla’s fans and friends are sharing tributes to the young woman whose life was tragically cut short.

“Whenever I remember you, I will remember your joy and light. Now you will make the angels happy, rest in beautiful peace and may God comfort the whole family,” one of her friends wrote on the social media. “We FINISHED organizing our processes for our long-awaited agency. Friend, did I say enough that I loved you? My God, what pain I’m feeling,” another friend, Laura Teixeira, posted.

Kamylla’s last post discussed her relationship with social media. She viewed the platform as a diary “filled with memories that represent the stages of our lives.”

In a post from February 2nd, the model spoke about her work as an influencer. “As a publicist and actress, I dove headfirst into the vibrant world of advertising and digital influence. For me, staying active isn’t a choice; it’s a necessity,” she wrote.

She often posted photos of her travels around Brazil and had a number of followers.

We are saddened by the loss of such a young life. May she rest in peace.

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Trash collector watched my kids for just 25 minutes – I decided to hire him as our full-time nanny

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When Dr. Sanders got a call from the hospital about an emergency, she found herself in a very difficult position. She had the day off, and had a hard time finding a babysitter for her three young children.

“Now? Are you sure Dr. Morris is not available?” she asked Nurse Carey on the phone while already changing her clothes and trying to think of a solution to her problem.

“No, Dr. Sanders. Dr. Morris is currently driving across state lines trying to get here. You live close by, so I thought I would call. The interns have no idea what they’re doing. I know it’s your day off, but I didn’t know what else to do. Will you be able to come?” Nurse Carey said, doing her best not to sound worried.

Dr. Sanders was quick to call her sister for help, but she wasn’t home and couldn’t help. She then called Vicky, the woman who babysat the kids every now and then, but she said she didn’t feel fine and couldn’t step in either.

Alex Green/ Pexels

Following the passing of her husband Peter, Dr. Sanders was left to raise her three children, Johnny, 9, Christie, 7, and Lucy, alone.

Usually, she paid through the roof for the local daycare center when she was scheduled regularly at work, but she couldn’t rush them in that day. It was already noon on a Friday, and she would feel bad sending them.

In the middle of the chaos, Dr. Sanders heard her three children shouting “Uncle Bob, Uncle Bob,” as they rushed out of the house.

They didn’t have an uncle, but the local garbageman who took Dr. Sanders’ trash for over ten years was so friendly to her children that they grew fond of him throughout the years.

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Watching Bob with her children, Dr. Sanders came up with an idea. Approaching him, she said, “Bob, I have a crazy request. I know you’re busy. But I was wondering if you would babysit my kids for 25 minutes. I have to check something urgent at the hospital, and I have no one else,” she begged as her kids were looking at Bob hoping for a positive answer.

“Sure, Dr. Sanders. I can watch them for a while,” he replied, nodding and smiling. The children jumped and cheered.

“They’re more than a handful, though. I’m warning you,” she said.

“Don’t worry. You go ahead. Your job is important,” Bob replied.

Dr. Sanders went to the hospital, but since the emergency case needed surgery, she was at the hospital for over three hours. She felt bad for leaving Bob attending her children, who were demanding and misbehaved, for that long.

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Once home, Dr. Sanders’ jaw dropped when she saw her home perfectly tidy.

“What happened here? My house… is unrecognizable. And why aren’t the kids screaming and running around?”

“Lucy is napping, and Christie and Johnny are in their rooms, reading,” Bob answered.

“What? Are you kidding me?”

“No, go see.”

Shocked, Dr. Sanders asked, “How did you do this?”

“Oh, Dr. Sanders. I was a single father raising kids once. Mine were ten times worse than these three angels,” Bob laughed. “I taught them to pick up after themselves and narrated them fairy tales. Your kids ate that up. You might want to buy them more books.”

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As Bob was leaving, Dr. Sanders apologized for being late once again and offered him money, but he refused, saying it was his pleasure to spend some time with the children.

Dr. Sanders was very grateful. That night, when she recalled how her day went, she decided to offer Bob to take care of her children instead of working as a garbageman.

She offered him a salary three times hire than what he earned at his job. The babysitting job would come with more health benefits.

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After giving it some thought, Bob accepted the job and Dr. Sanders was so thankful that she gave him a Christmas bonus and plane tickets so his family could visit Disneyland in California later that year.

This mom realized that her kids needed someone who felt like family to take care of them. They hated daycare because they didn’t like being around strangers.

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The clean-cut teen idol of the 1950s broke the hearts of many teenagers – You better sit before you see who he is dating

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His song Diana helped his music career skyrocket, placing Paul Anka, one of the most renowned singers of the 20th century, under the limelight.

However, his road to stardom wasn’t an easy one. Speaking to Newsday back in 1982, Anka said, “I started out at a time when it was not easy to be seriously accepted at such an early age. I realized that to succeed, you have to have some sort of a grand plan and ambition – some sort of a master plan. I decided right then, when ’Diana’ became a hit, that I was going to become as successful as I possibly could in the song-writing field.”

At the time he started singing and writing songs, the Put Your Head on My Shoulder singer was just 14.

His striking good looks and polished demeanor made him stand out, turning him into one of the most adored teen idols of the 1950s. Unlike today, when singers incorporate a number of effects during their performance and use auto-tune, Anka was a pure class. It was his voice, facial expressions, and genuine connection to music that were enough to fill venues with fans whose hearts he touched.

“When I was a kid, even the guys I was hanging with like Sinatra or Dean Martin, nobody came from a sophisticated background. We all got lucky and found our groove and vibe. Now I wear the hat of the guys I witnessed; you become who you see. At my age right now, I still do that,” he said.

At the height of his career, Anka met Anne de Zogheb. The blonde model was a daughter of a diplomat who moved places often. The two first laid eyes on each other in 1962 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It took only a year for them to know they belonged to one another and tie the knot.

The two stayed together for over 40 years, welcoming four daughters, Amelia, Anthea, Alicia, Amanda and Alexandra. Today, Amanda is married to actor Jason Bateman.

Anka and Anne separated in 2000, leaving his fans in shock.

Speaking of the divorce, Anka said, “I did my best, but I was travelling 200 days a year.”

Sadly, Anne died on 29 March 2017 at the age of 74.

Paul Anka and wife Anne DeZogheb being photographed on October 26, 1987 at Knickerbocker Jazz Restaurant in New York City, New York. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

In 2008, Anka found love again with his personal trainer Anna Åberg, a former Miss Sweden. They welcomed a son together but Anka filed for divorce just 18 months later following a heated argument. His wife accused him of threatening her with a gun, which led to police involvement. In response, he took legal action against her, further complicating their already troubled marriage.

“Paul has now sold the house; he lives just a few minutes away from me. He put it on the market because he wants to move away. It’s because Ethan has turned 18 now, so Paul is scared. Now he can’t hide behind lawyers and courts; Paul can’t do anything to stop Ethan from coming to me if he wants to,” he ex-said at the time of their separation.

For a short time, Anka stayed single before meeting and getting involved with Lisa Pemberton. He met her at a party in 2010 and tied the know with her in 2016 in a lavish and intimate ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel at Westlake Village in Los Angeles.

Lisa helped Anka raise his son, but after a few rocky years, they divorced in 2020.

Today, the musician is in a relationship with Michele Kahl but says he doesn’t plan on marrying again.

Paul Anka and Lisa Pemberton attend the 2016 MusiCares Person of the Year honoring Lionel Richie at the Los Angeles Convention Center on February 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California / Larry Busacca/Getty Images

At 83, Paul Anka continues to thrive, recently concluding his successful “Seven Decades Tour,” celebrating his extraordinary 70-year career in music. Known for his ability to write, compose, and perform, Anka’s legacy as a pop music pioneer is firmly established, with fans from all generations admiring his work.

Reflecting on his journey, Anka recalls the surprise of still performing in his 80s and being recognized by younger fans.

“Suddenly I’m 80 years old and I’ve got 16-year-olds screaming, stopping me in the street, clamouring for my autograph,” he says.

“When I started out at 16 I could never have imagined I’d still be performing at 80. I started at the bottom of this mountain with nothing, crawling along the road to success, praying every second just to stay where I was.”

Despite experiencing the indulgent showbiz lifestyle, including his time with the Rat Pack, he chose a healthier path, avoiding heavy smoking and drinking after witnessing the effects on his colleagues.

“With all the Rat Pack experience, I came away from it not being a heavy smoker or drinker because I saw what it did to them,” he told AARP.

Anka credits his longevity to a disciplined routine, focusing on regular exercise, a balanced diet, and mental well-being. His smart business ventures, alongside his music career, have contributed to his impressive net worth of $80 million.

Despite the excesses of fame, Anka has stayed grounded and continues to embrace life, finding happiness in his relationship with his new girlfriend. His story serves as an inspiration, reminding us that one can remain true to their values and passions, even in the spotlight.

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BREAKING NEWS! Horrific accident!

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At least 15 people have tragically lost their lives following a crash between a bus carrying elderly passengers and a truck in Manitoba, Canada. The incident happened near Carberry, west of Winnipeg, on the Trans-Canada Highway. According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), 10 people, including both drivers, were transported to the hospital with significant injuries.

Eyewitness John Proven described the scene as a “huge accident” with a vehicle in flames and a semi-truck nearby, its front end severely damaged. The bus was carrying seniors from Dauphin to the Sand Hills Casino in Carberry when the tragic accident took place. Emergency services, including an air ambulance and 12 other ambulances, were quickly dispatched.

Authorities are still determining why the bus entered the truck’s lane, though footage showed the truck had the right of way. RCMP Superintendent Rob Lasson emphasized that no blame has been assigned at this time, as the investigation is still ongoing.

This accident has drawn comparisons to the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus tragedy in Saskatchewan, in which 16 people died. Manitoba officials have sought assistance from those involved in the Humboldt investigation, given the similarities in both incidents.

William Doherty, CEO of the trucking company involved, expressed deep sorrow and offered full cooperation with the investigation. He told CTV News that “the thoughts of the entire Day & Ross team are with those who have lost loved ones in this terrible incident”.
“We are holding out hope that those injured will recover.” Mr Doherty added, “We will fully cooperate with the investigation and offer any assistance and support that we can.”

Prime Minister Trudeau was among those who offered their condolences. “The news from Carberry, Manitoba is incredibly tragic. I’m sending my deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones today, and I’m keeping the injured in my thoughts. I cannot imagine the pain those affected are feeling – but Canadians are here for you.”

The accident has devastated the close-knit community of Dauphin, where many of the victims lived. Mayor David Bosiak said, “Literally everyone in town knew someone that was on that bus.”

“There’s a collective feeling of shock … it’s just a tremendous tragedy for our little community.

“It’s a kick in the teeth, a punch in the gut.”

We are so very sorry for this tragic incident and the lives lost.

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Here are 7 clear signs your partner is committed to spending their life with you

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When you start seeing someone and things seem right, you can’t help but wonder if that person is truly your soulmate and someone who’s willing to share their “forever” with you.

In order to know if that person is truly invested in creating a lasting future with you, there are certain indicators that can help ease your concerns. These behaviors serve as subtle yet telling signs that your partner might be imagining a shared life ahead and is ready to make a long-term commitment.

Here are seven unmistakable clues that suggest they are fully embracing the idea of spending their life with you.

1. You come first above everything else

One of the signs that your partner is serious about their relationship with you and is there to stay is when they put you above everything else. You are their priority and nothing is as important to them as spending quality time with you.

    So, if you see your partner making adjustments to their schedule in order to be with you, it undoubtedly shows they genuinely enjoy your presence and care about meeting your needs.

    2. They want to get you know you better

    One of the key foundations of a lasting relationship is getting to know each other on a deeper level. When a person invests their time and energy to learn about your interests, your likes, your dislikes, the things that make you happy and fulfill you, they try to create a bond that goes beyond surface-level affection.

    Trying to get a pass to your inner world means your partner is serious about the relationship and is looking for a future together.

    3. A comfortable and effortless companionship

    If you and your partner feel comfortable with each other, it means you can communicate openly about anything that bothers you. This type of companionship makes it easier to navigate through the challenges that come to your way and build deeper and stronger connection over time.

    4. Intersecting lines of thought

    No matter how different your and your partner’s opinions regarding certain subjects might be, if they try hard to find a common ground between the various viewpoints, it means they care deeply about you and your perspective.

    This leaves you free from the fear of being judged by them for your way of seeing things.

    5. Profound trust

    Trusting your partner and having them to trust in you is crucial in every relationship. If there is trust between two individuals, it leads to healthy partnership, security, and open communication.

    6. They celebrate your successes

    Whether it is a small victory, a promotion at work, or any other success you achieve, if your partner is your biggest cheerleader it means they are there to stay. Celebrating your achievements as though they are their own means they are invested in your growth, whether professional or personal.

    7. They’re committed during tough times

    When you go through tough times, your partner is the person who is supposed to be there for you and help you overcome any obstacle and struggles. If they stick by your side during the challenging times, they’re envisioning a life with you and the’re in it for the long run.

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    Woman leaves an empty seat for her late son on her wedding day – She can’t believe it when she sees an unknown person sitting in the chair…

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    Life is unpredictable. Sometimes, no matter how hard we try to make things right, God has other plans.

    Becky is a woman who tragically lost her son Tristan, who was just 19 years old at the time he left this world. Her grief was immense. She couldn’t possibly imagine her life without her child, but over time, her loved ones helped her accept the reality and move on.

    Around two years after Tristan’s passing, Becky was about to marry the love of her life, a man named Kelly.

    On the day of their wedding, the two decided to leave an empty seat in Tristan’s honor with a heartwarming message written on it. “What should I do now that I’ve arrived in heaven for your wedding? I will stoop to your level in order to spend it with you. Please save me a seat, even if there is only one available chair. Although you might not notice me, I shall be present.”

    As the ceremony proceeded, Kelly informed Becky that there was someone there who wanted to see her. A young man who took Tristan’s chair. When she saw him, Becky wasn’t mad. On the contrary, spotting the young man, she was overwhelmed and couldn’t stop tears from rolling down her face.

    That man, Jacob, was the recipient of Tristan’s heart. Tristan was an organ donor, and Jacob wasn’t the only person whose life he saved.

    When Kelly informed Jacob that he and Becky are getting married and invited him to the ceremony, Jacob was more than willing to travel from San Diego in order to attend it. It was a beautiful surprise that warmed Becky’s heart and made her day. She felt like her son was present on her wedding day.

    Becky was then given a stethoscope so that she could hear her late son’s heartbeat. It was an emotional moment no one could ever forget.

    Someone snapped photos of the beautiful surprise and shared it on Facebook. The story went viral in a matter of days and many praised Kelly for his love for Becky.

    Many people took their time to comment, with one person writing: “Why is it that we can’t just have one news channel that is dedicated to delivering uplifting and motivational stories like this one? If only the goodness and thoughtfulness that exists in the world were distributed more widely, it could inspire more of the same.”

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    Quick wit and unexpected outcomes

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    Clever responses often lead to unexpected and humorous outcomes which remind us of the power of humor and quick thinking in our daily interactions.

    Most times, well-timed jokes can help turn awkwardness into amusement, and dullness into delight.

    Late into the night, a husband texted his wife, asking her to wash his dirty clothes and prepare his favorite dish before he returned home. But, there was no reply. Undeterred, he sent yet another text in which he bragged about salary increase, writing that he was planning to get her a new car. A few moments later, the wife quickly responded, “OMG, really?” The husband cleverly replied, “No, I just wanted to make sure you got my first message.” What a twist!

    Roman Pohorecki/ Pexels

    In another story, a man returned home and saw his wife of ten years packing her bags. Surprised, he asked her where she was going, to what she replied, “I’m off to Las Vegas! I’ve discovered there are men willing to pay me $500 cash for what I do for you for free!” Taken aback by her words, the man paused for a moment and started packing his own bags. When his wife questioned his sudden action, he calmly responded, “I’m coming to Las Vegas with you… I want to see how you’ll manage on $1,000 a year!” His words definitely left her speechless.

    Cameron Rainey

    In yet another story, an elderly lady had patiently waited for a parking spot in a crowded lot. Out of the blue, a young man in his new red Mercedes zoomed past her and parked in the very spot she had her eyes on. Feeling angered, she confronted the man, saying, “I was going to park there!” The man, displaying a smart-aleck attitude, retorted, “That’s what you can do when you’re young and bright.” This witty comeback emphasized the generational difference and put a smile on the elderly lady’s face, showcasing how humor can bridge gaps and bring unexpected joy even in times of minor conflicts.

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    Bored Daddy

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