Hailey Gardiner GoFundMe raises over $20,000 as singer AJ Rafael mourns author’s sudden passing

Author Hailey Gardiner recently passed away after an emergency surgery. Her team announced her sudden passing in a post, and tributes for her have been pouring since. They have also set up a fundraiser on GoFundMe as they are seeking funds to support her husband and their two boys.

So far, the fundraiser has garnered over $20,000 from 184 donations. Their target is $26,000.

In the announcement, Gardiner's team mentioned that she was pregnant with a third baby at the time of her surgery.

"We’re heartbroken to share that on February 8, 2025, our perfect Hailey (32) passed away during an emergency surgery. She leaves behind the loves of her life: her darling husband, Cayden, and her two beautiful baby boys, Hayes (4), and Carter (2). Hailey is resting in Heaven with their sweet third baby, who was on the way."

"Hailey uplifted, inspired, and touched thousands of lives with her love, testimony, music, books, and kindness. Her bright light will live on through her angelic voice, comforting words, and warmth in the hearts of everyone who knows her."

Hailey Gardiner was an author, and according to her website, she wrote "cheeky, sweet romantic comedies to finally put her wildly active imagination to good use." She was a "master at quoting movies," liked salted desserts, and enjoyed "raising two book-loving boys with her husband."

Singer AJ Rafael mourns Hailey Gardiner's passing

AJ Rafael shared a close bond with Hailey Gardiner and her sister. Following Gardiner's death, the singer shared several pictures with her and penned an emotional note. He mentioned how they met 15 years ago, and since then, they have worked together on multiple projects. He wrote,

"This past Saturday, my heart shattered into a million pieces as I found out that @haileygardiner had passed away during an emergency surgery. Hailey was family to me. I am still in shock writing this… 15 years ago, The Gardiner Sisters entered a songwriting contest of mine and they came into my life in such a huge and important way."

" I invited them over to our house in Riverside… and many collaborations later, they are embedded in my DNA as an artist and as a person."

In 2022, they also collaborated on a cover of You and Me by Lifehouse. AJ Rafael added,

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"Hailey, your strong passion for music was inspiring— but it was your love for your family and those closest to you that inspired me the most. I will never have the words to properly tell you how much you impacted my life. I guess I’ll just say thank you for your friendship.

AJ Rafael added how he will keep Hailey Gardiner's legacy alive. He also asked his followers to support her husband and children via their fundraiser.

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