Makena White, the 28-year-old girlfriend of PGA Tour golfer Jake Knapp, has died suddenly, just weeks after sharing a loving tribute to him on Instagram. The cause of her death has not been revealed.
On August 11, Makena wrote: “Year 2 of first fairway hugs & watching you live out your dreams… forever grateful to be on this walk with you, here’s to many many many more! I looooove you sweet boy, you make it so dang easy to be proud.”
Her passing was confirmed on September 26 by a close friend on her Instagram page: “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.” The friend described her as “one of a kind” with a gift for making others feel special, adding, “To be loved by Makena was a gift; one that came with endless laughter, so much joy, and a healthy sprinkling of chaos.”
Donations in her memory were suggested to the Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic or the Griffin Bell Endowment Fund. The message ended with: “We love you Mak. We’ll miss you always, and we’ll be looking for you in the sunset.”
Tributes poured in, with one friend saying, “We are blessed to have shared in your light and love. You will be missed beyond measure.” CBS golf reporter Amanda Balionis added, “I will miss her light… it touched so many.”
