‘Devastating nightmare’: Popular TikTok star dead at 26

A young nurse who began documenting her health journey just two years ago has tragically passed away, leaving loved ones “devastated”.

A popular nurse who bravely shared her battle with bowel cancer has tragically lost her two-year battle with the disease at just 26.

Bailey Hutchins, from Florida, became an advocate for the condition – which affects about 15,000 Aussies every year – after doctors found a large tumour blocking her colon in January 2023.

Her husband Caden Hutchin shared the tragic news of her passing on Ms Hutchins social media accounts.

“I am devastated to say that my Bailey B has passed away last night,” he wrote on Instagram Monday.

“She fought such a tough incredible fight these past two years and she’s no longer suffering from all the torturous pain she has endured during this journey.

“Being your husband and caregiver has been such a blessing to me. I am still in such disbelief and in denial that I just lost my best friend.”

A popular TikTok star has died from bowel cancer at the age of 26. Picture: Instagram/BaileyHutchins

Alongside an image of Ms Hutchins surrounded by mountains, he described her as “such an inspiration to others”, noting “unfortunately, God had bigger plans for you Up Above”.

“Until we meet again,” he signed off the heartbreaking announcement.

Caden also shared the news on her TikTok account, @healingwithbailey, where she had more than 170,000 followers as she raised awareness for the symptoms of cancer.

“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,” he wrote alongside a video of their wedding day in 2023.

He noted the past month had been an “absolute devastating nightmare” both for Ms Hutchins and their families after she’d battled cancer the past two years.

“Her spirit is as radiant as the sun. Bailey is such a light, and we plan on continuing to let it shine on,” he continued.

“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.”

Bailey Hutchins, from Florida, was 24 when she was diagnosed with the condition. Picture: Instagram/BaileyHutchins

Her husband described the loss as a ‘devastating nightmare’. Picture: Instagram/BaileyHutchins

The young cancer patient first shared her cancer diagnosis when she was 24 years old, writing that she had been in hospital for five days and had two surgeries in order to identify and remove a tumour in her large intestine.

“I currently have stage three colon cancer which has obviously devastated me and my family,” she wrote, adding she was about to start chemotherapy.

Before her death, she became an advocate for the disease, sharing warning signs she wished she hadn’t missed. Instagram/BaileyHutchins

She began sharing her journey, including warning signs of the disease she dismissed, citing her age and overall fitness.

Her first sign was excessive burping which she first noticed while on holiday in Tennessee in 2021.

Then in November 2022, she also started to experience acid reflux, that at its worst would cause her to vomit into her mouth.

“Looking back now, I know that excessive burping is a symptom of colon cancer,” she said in a TikTok video.

“And I didn’t Google it, and I Google everything, and I wish I would have Googled that as I probably would have gone to the doctor but I didn’t think twice about the fact that I burped.”

At the start of this year, Ms Hutchins health had taken a turn and she needed several surgeries.

Her husband then posted an update on January 26, telling her followers they have been “taking it day by day” as she but that she appreciates their support.

“Bailey’s doing okay. I’m doing okay. We’re just doing the best we can right now. Just focusing on friends and family and just being present in the moment,” he said.

“We just want to say we love you guys,” he added before a clip of him and Bailey giving two thumbs up.