Derek Hough’s wife, Hayley Erbert, was rushed to the hospital this week and underwent emergency brain surgery, the Dancing with the Stars pro revealed.
Hayley Suffers Cranial Hematoma, Undergoes Craniectomy
On Thursday, Hough shared on Instagram that Erbert, 27, his wife of nearly 5 months, was hospitalized for a “cranial hematoma” and had to undergo a craniectomy, a surgery to relieve pressure on the brain caused by bleeding or swelling.
“She then underwent a craniotomy to relieve pressure and bleeding around her brain. The doctors completed a successful surgery, and she is now recovering in the ICU,” Hough wrote.
The scary medical emergency came shortly after Hayley accompanied Hough on part of his “Derek Hough: No Limit” tour. On Tuesday night, she attended his show in Los Angeles.
Emergency Surgery Performed While on Tour
According to TODAY, Hough was on tour in Las Vegas on Wednesday night when he received word that Erbert had been rushed to the emergency room. He flew back to Los Angeles right away to be by her side.
Hough explained that his sister Julianne Hough was also present when Hayley needed the emergency procedure. “It has been a very scary week but she’s a fighter and progressing,” he wrote.
Hayley Remains in ICU, Condition Stable Post-Surgery
Hayley remains in the ICU following her surgery on Thursday, but Derek said she is progressing and her condition is stable.
“Hayley is moving in a positive direction,” a source told ET. “The family is so appreciative of all the prayers and well wishes for Hayley. It means the world to them.”
Meanwhile, Julianne Hough also asked fans for prayers amid Hayley’s hospitalization. “My sister in law, Hayley Erbert, is one of the sweetest souls I’ve ever known,” she wrote on Instagram. “Please keep her in your prayers today.”
What Led to Hayley’s Hospitalization?
According to medical experts, cranial hematomas like the one Hayley suffered can originate from head trauma or even vigorous exercise.
“It’s basically bleeding between the skull and the brain, which then collects into almost like a blood blister,” Dr. Tom Davis, chief medical officer at Device Events Medical Marketing, told TODAY.
“It can come from trauma, but it can also come from different types of athletic endeavors where you’re really exerting yourself, and you’re increasing the pressure in your vascular system,” he added.
While the cause of Hayley’s hematoma is still unknown, the timing after accompanying Derek on tour suggests his high-energy live shows may have played a role.
Derek & Hayley’s Whirlwind Romance
Derek and Hayley have been together since 2015, after meeting when Hayley was a troupe dancer on Dancing with the Stars. Hough proposed in June 2021, and the two wed this past August at the Lake Powell Resort.
“We’re so thrilled to be married!” Hough told People after their wedding. “It was a beautiful evening with our closest friends and family. The whole thing felt surreal.”
The couple has travelled frequently together, with Hayley accompanying Derek on both his recent “Derek Hough: No Limit” tour and his 2018-2020 “Derek Hough: Live!” tour around the country.
What’s Next as Hayley Recovers
Doctors will continue monitoring Hayley in the ICU over the next several days to watch for any complications and help manage her recovery.
Craniectomy is used as an emergency procedure to relieve swelling and bleeding, and doctors may elect to replace the skull flap that is removed during surgery after the brain swelling goes down.
Full recovery for this type of major brain surgery can take weeks or even months depending on the severity of the injury and bleeding. Hayley will likely need extensive rest and rehabilitation services as she heals.
Outpouring of Support from Fans
As the terrifying news of Hayley’s emergency spreads, many fans and dance community members have shown their love and support for the Hough family on social media:
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The next few weeks will surely be difficult for Derek as he supports Hayley through her recovery process. But the outpouring of prayers and well wishes shows just how many people this beloved couple has impacted with their incredible talents and spirits.
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