PGA Tour golfer Jake Knapp has issued a statement in the wake of his girlfriend, Makena White, dying at the age of 28.
Knapp provided his statement to Natasha Dye of People:
“Makena was such a thoughtful person whose selflessness toward others is something I will always appreciate. We shared so many unforgettable memories together and now that she’s no longer with us, it’s a tough reality to comprehend. She had an incredible family, great friends, and her fun, outgoing energy will be missed by all of us. It’s an understatement to say how hard all of this is to process for everyone who knew Mak, especially her family and friends, who deserve privacy and respect during this difficult time.”
A friend of White’s wrote the following on White’s Instagram:
“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.”
An official cause of death has not been announced.
Knapp and White went public with their relationship in February 2024 after he won the Mexico Open. They reportedly started dating in 2023.
The 31-year-old Knapp joined the PGA Tour in 2016. He has five career wins as a professional and has played in three of the four major tournaments.
Knapp’s most recent appearance on the PGA Tour was at the FedEx St. Jude Championship from Aug. 7-10.
