Matthew Okula, a firefighter with the Los Angeles Fire Department, has shared an update on life with his infant son five months after the death of his wife, Hailey Okula. Hailey, known as Nurse Hailey on social media and recognized for her work supporting new nurses, died from childbirth complications on March 29 shortly after giving birth to their son, Crew.
On August 27, Matthew posted a video to Hailey’s Instagram account showing him holding Crew in the nursery. In the caption he wrote, “I promised I’d be transparent and share the good and the bad, so here it is.” The video shows Matthew wiping tears from his eyes while holding his son.
“Some nights I’m crying in the dark, wishing she could be here to hold him, to see him, to live the life she worked so hard for,” Matthew continued in the post. “It’s all so bittersweet. We miss and love you, Hailey.”
Supporters responded with messages of condolence and encouragement. Rory McKenna commented: “Oh brother. I can only pray that you be filled with a divine peace and that your wifey shines in your son. Sending prayers tonight man. Dm me if you’re struggling please — sincerely another grieving man.”
Since Hailey’s passing, Matthew has regularly honored her memory online by sharing updates about Crew’s growth and moments from candlelight vigils held in her honor. On Mother’s Day he wrote: “You’re my inspiration for everything, and I carry you with me in everything I do. Please keep watching over me and Crew.” For Father’s Day he added: “She made me a father. She gave everything to bring Crew into this world. And I’ve never been more proud of her.”
August was marked by several milestones for Matthew and Crew. They went on their first camping trip together with friends and family—a plan Matthew said he had long discussed with Hailey before her death. He posted: “This was something Hailey and I dreamed about from the moment we found out we were going to be parents… It’s heartbreaking doing this without her.”
On August 7, which would have been Hailey’s birthday, Matthew shared a video walking with Crew on the beach: “Celebrating you today just how you would want. Surrounded by family, Panda Express, and way too many desserts… We miss you more than words can say, but we’ll never stop honoring you in the little things you loved.”
Later that month they attended a concert by country music artist Coffey Anderson—one of Hailey’s favorites.
Matthew has also continued running RN New Grads—the business founded by Hailey in 2019—which aims to support new graduate nurses and nursing students.
He uses social media to raise awareness about amniotic fluid embolism (AFE), which caused Hailey’s death. According to medical sources such as Cleveland Clinic, AFE occurs when amniotic fluid enters a woman’s bloodstream around childbirth.
Hailey’s cause of death was officially listed as cardiac arrest due to an amniotic fluid embolism.
Speaking earlier this year, Matthew told reporters that Hailey saw her newborn son briefly before suffering cardiac arrest—a moment he said he will always remember.
