Makena White, who was the girlfriend of PGA golfer Jake Knapp, has died at age 28.
White’s friends announced the devastating news on Instagram. “Hi everyone – this is Makena’s friend, writing with the heaviest heart to share that Makena passed away earlier this week,” began a post shared to White’s account on Friday, Sept. 26.
“She is already so deeply missed by her Dad, her family, her friends, and of course by Nelly and Fergie,” it read, referring to White’s two dogs.
The post continued to highlight White’s character: “Makena was one of a kind. She had this rare way of making you feel special, and her huge heart was always overflowing with love. To be loved by Makena was a gift; one that came with endless laughter, so much joy, and a healthy sprinkling of chaos as we tried to keep up with her travel schedule.”
PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 27: Jake Knapp hugs his girlfriend, Makena White, while walking off the 18th green during the first round of the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches at PGA National Resort the Champion Course on February 27, 2025 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images)PGA TOUR
As the post ended, it encouraged White’s followers to make donations to Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic or the Griffin Bell Endowment Fund. “We love you Mak. We’ll miss you always, and we’ll be looking for you in the sunset,” the statement concluded.
It’s unclear what White’s cause of death is at this time.
However, White’s mother was a patient at Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic. According to the website, Crystal became a patient after suffering two minor strokes with devastating cognitive implications. She was monitored there for 18 months before being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. In April 2022, Crystal passed away, according to a post on White’s Instagram.
Knapp has yet to comment on White’s death. White’s last Instagram post before her death was on August 11, where she shared a handful of photos of her accompanying Knapp during his second year on the PGA tour.
“Year 2 of first fairway hugs & watching you live out your dreams,” she wrote in the caption, adding, ”I looooove you sweet boy, you make it so dang easy to be proud.”
The pair had been dating for over a year. In March 2024, White made their relationship Instagram official by sharing a sweet photo of them together. “Does it still count as a hard launch if NBC saw it first?” she captioned the post.
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