Walker Hayes and his family are mourning a very tragic loss and now they are figuring out how to navigate it all.

He and his wife, Laney are parents to six children but, unfortunately, they are in a devastating place. So, what happened and how are they coping? Keep reading for all of the details.

Walker Hayes & Family Mourn Tragic Loss

Life has thrown Walker Hayes and his wife, Laney some curveballs. They lost their seventh child, daughter, Oakleigh Klover Hayes, in June 2018. This happened shortly after Oakleigh came into this world and it clearly shocked and devasted the couple as well as their children. They had been married for fourteen years by the time this awful loss occurred. Just three years prior, Walker got sober and was living his best life. After sobriety and the loss, he was nominated for a handful of awards, including a Grammy and several Billboard Music Awards.

Walker Hayes, Laney Hayes-Instagram
To help the family cope with the loss of Oakleigh, Walker, and Laney got a pup named Hazel. She was a loner and did not care for other people but loved the Hayes family. More so, she loved their other pups but not others. Hazel was an attempt to fill a void but she became so much more. She meant the world to the Hayes’. Sadly, Walker took to his Instagram to share that Hazel had been hit by a car. They do not live on a busy street but the person who hit her was kind and brave enough to let them know.

Walker proceeded to share photos of Hazel which culminated with her burial spot. He noted that they gathered as a family to say goodbye. They all reminisced which was their form of healing and then jumped in the lake. It was a special moment and a tribute to Hazel who saved them when they needed it the most. Now, they will begin the true grieving and healing process of not having her around day and night.

Tragic

Followers immediately sent love and condolences to Walker Hayes and his family over the loss of Hazel:

Oh my goodness my heart is broken for you all. Sending all my love. So thankful I got spend the summer with her and y’all 🫶
Oh yall this is so hard😢 hugs and prayers your way
My heart breaks for you all. She looked so precious in the photos you posted of her. Losing a loved one, be it a human or pet loss, hurts so bad and the only thing that helps is memories. I hope the happy times you had with Hazel will help heal the hurt <3

There was also praise for the person who copped to the accident as it does take a strong person to admit that they did something as awful as this. Kelsea Ballerini can relate as her pup, Dibs, is currently very sick so she is trying to hold on to every memory. It is not an easy thing but hopefully, all of the love Walker is receiving will carry him through. Sending love and light to the Hayes family.