Report: Girlfriend of PGA Tour golfer Jake Knapp dies aged 28
Jake Knapp's girlfriend Makena White has died, according to a statement released by her friend on her Instagram account.
The girlfriend of PGA Tour golfer Jake Knapp has died, according to her friend.
Makena White's death was announced on her Instagram account by an unnamed pal on 26 September.
No details about where, when or how she died were mentioned, only that she passed away earlier this week. She was 28.
There was also no mention of Knapp in the post. CBS golf reporter Amanda Balionis was among those to lead the tributes in the comments section.
"Getting know Makena was one of my favourite parts of this last year," Balionis wrote. "So much laughter, passion and she never met a stranger. I will miss her light. It touched so many."
Knapp made his breakthrough on the PGA Tour in 2024, winning the Mexico Open at Vidanta.
Reigning Masters champion Rory McIlroy described Knapp as a future talent.
Last February, Knapp became the 15th player in PGA Tour history to card a sub-60 round at the Cognizant Classic at PGA National.
Makena was among the first to congratulate the golfer, hugging him as he left the 18th green.
Six weeks ago, the couple celebrated their two-year anniversary. Makena marked the occasion by posting on Instagram that she was "forever grateful" for their "fairway walks".
"I love you my sweet boy," she added. "You make it so dang easy to be proud."
In full, the statement from Makena's friend:
"Hi everyone - this is Makena's friend, writing with the heaviest heart to share that Makena passed away earlier this week.
"She is already so deeply missed by her Dad, her family, her friends, and of course by Nelly and Fergie.
"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.
"If you would like to honour Makena's memory, donations to the Bruyere Brain Health & Memory Clinic or the Griffin Bell Endowment Fund would mean a lot.
"We love you Mak. We'll miss you always, and we'll be looking for you in the sunset."
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