A year later, in August 2023, Derek and Hayley exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony in Monterey, California. But what should have been a honeymoon era quickly turned into a nightmare when Hayley underwent emergency brain surgery in December that year.

In a statement on Instagram, Derek shared that Hayley suffered a ruptured blood vessel while performing in Washington, DC Symphony of Dance Tour. This caused a cranial hematoma (or a collection of blood that forms in or around the brain after a head injury), which required emergency surgery.

“At the end of last night's tour performance in Washington, DC, my wife Hayley became disoriented and was taken to the hospital,” he wrote. “She was diagnosed with a cranial hematoma due to a ruptured blood vessel and underwent an emergency craniectomy. Her condition is stable.”

Thankfully, Hayley survived an incredibly scary time, which has only strengthened the couple's relationship going forward. When Derek was later recognized for his work on ” Dancing with the stars In January 2024, he made sure to dedicate the success to his wife.

“Exactly a month ago I was in the hospital,” he said through tears in his acceptance speech. “A month ago was a life changing moment that reminded me to truly appreciate and enjoy every moment… I would like to dedicate this to my beautiful wife. Your strength and courage this entire month has been incredible. You inspire me every single day.”

If that wasn't enough, when their one-year wedding anniversary came around in August 2024, Derek couldn't stop praising how much stronger their relationship has become throughout all of their experiences as a couple.

“One year ago today I married my beautiful wife @hayley.erbert,” he wrote sentimentally alongside a romantic Instagram video from their wedding. “The past year has been a journey full of challenges, blessings, difficulties and triumphs. Through it all, your grace and beauty have shone brightly, reminding me every day how blessed I am to walk this journey with you. But all in all, this year has been a testament to the power of love – here's to many more years of facing life together, with the love that I love more than words can express.”

As an entertainment and news editorial assistant for Good housekeepingAdrianna (she/her) writes about all things television, movies, music, and pop culture. She graduated from Yeshiva University with a BA in Journalism and a minor in Business Management. She covers shows like The newbie, 9-1-1 And Grey's AnatomyAlthough when she's not watching the latest series on Netflix, she's practicing martial arts or drinking way too much coffee.