Haley Kalil Responds to Death Rumor with Hilarious Self-Written Obituary

28 May 2025

Image: Getty Images

Influencer and model Haley Kalil, widely recognized online as Haylee Baylee, recently found herself at the center of a bizarre and false death rumor. Instead of reacting with frustration or anger, Kalil responded with a mix of humor and sarcasm that quickly resonated with her millions of followers. On May 25, 2025, the 32-year-old social media personality took to Instagram to address the rumor in a way that was both entertaining and self-aware.

The incident began when a viral video surfaced online falsely claiming that Kalil had died. The clip featured a voiceover stating, “Haylee Baylee was found dead,” accompanied by aerial footage of a neighborhood via Google Earth. The video’s dark tone was immediately undercut when the screen abruptly cut to Kalil herself, who appeared visibly confused and said, “I mean, R.I.P. I guess?” She captioned this video simply with “Wait wha-,” signaling her disbelief at the ridiculous rumor.

Not stopping there, Kalil doubled down on her humorous approach by posting a mock obituary on Instagram. The fake obituary headline read, “Forever in our hearts,” and included a video compilation of some of her memorable moments online. The obituary listed her birth date as August 6, 1992, and her supposed date of death as May 25, 2025, with the cause of death humorously described as “maybe foul play idk yet.” She jokingly invited fans to a funeral service, saying, “A funeral service will be held this week whenever I have time because I think I’m still alive so bring gifts.” The post was set to the emotional tones of Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men’s classic song, “One Sweet Day,” which added to the satirical tone. Thousands of followers joined in on the fun, leaving playful and supportive comments, turning the strange rumor into an unexpected viral moment.

Kalil’s ability to navigate the unsettling nature of a false death report with wit reflects the kind of genuine connection she has cultivated with her audience. With 7.7 million Instagram followers and 14 million followers on TikTok, she is well known for her comedic and relatable content, which often features celebrity encounters and behind-the-scenes glimpses of red carpet events. Haley originally gained recognition after winning the Sports Illustrated Model Search and has since built a diverse online presence with viral videos, including interactions with stars like Jared Leto, Courtney Love, and the Jonas Brothers.

In addressing this strange episode with humor rather than distress, Kalil not only defused the situation but also highlighted the sometimes absurd realities influencers face in the digital age. Death rumors can be deeply disturbing and damaging, yet her reaction showcased resilience and a savvy understanding of her platform. It’s a reminder that online personalities are often subject to misinformation, but also that how they respond can help shape the narrative.

Her fans applauded her quick wit and lighthearted response, many commenting that she handled the rumor “with grace and humor.” This incident is also a broader commentary on the viral nature of misinformation and the challenges social media influencers encounter in managing their public image amid the fast-moving news cycle.

Haley Kalil continues to thrive as a digital content creator and influencer, turning even the strangest moments into opportunities to engage with her community and maintain her signature humor and charm.