Makena White, the girlfriend of American professional golfer Jake Knapp, has died.
The tragic news was announced via White’s Instagram page on Friday, September 26.
“Hi everyone — this is Makena’s friend, writing with the heaviest heart to share that Makena passed away earlier this week,” the statement read. “She is already so deeply missed by her Dad, her family, her friends, and of course by [her dogs] Nelly and Fergie.”
The post continued, “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.”
A cause of death was not revealed, but donations were asked to be made in her name to the Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic or the Griffin Bell Endowment Fund.
The Griffin Bell Endowment Fund was created by Tamy and Evan Bell to honor their son, Griffin, who passed away from cancer in 2024, and works to support underfunded pediatric cancer research in Ontario, Canada, White’s home province.
“We love you Mak,” the post concluded. “We’ll miss you always, and we’ll be looking for you in the sunset 💛.”
The comment section of the Instagram post was flooded with warm eulogies and messages, including one from CBS Sports golf reporter Amanda Balionis.
“Getting to know Makena was one of my favorite parts of this last year,” Balionis, 39, wrote. “So much laughter, passion and she never met a stranger. I will miss her ligh t… it touched so many 💛💛.”
White last posted on social media on August 2, when she effusively praised Knapp, 31, for a successful season on the PGA TOUR.
“Year 2 of first fairway hugs & watching you live out your dreams 🫶🏼,” White wrote via Instagram alongside a carousel of photos of the couple. “Second season in the books — 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 💛.”
White posted a celebratory birthday message for Knapp in May, calling the golfer her “best friend.”
“No matter where our crazy adventures take us, you make every place feel like home 💛,” she wrote. “I love you sweet boy!”
Knapp commented, “Thank youuu, I love you ❤️.”
White posted a similarly sweet birthday message for Knapp in 2024 when he turned 30 years old.
“The kindest, hardest working, most generous, handsome, talented person I’ll ever know,” she shared via Instagram. “To know you is to love you. “Here’s to 30 years of living the dream — and you’re only getting started. Happy birthday my sweet boy, you deserve the world.”
The couple gave their relationship the “hard launch” via Instagram in March 2024.
Knapp, a native of Costa Mesa, California, earned his PGA TOUR card in 2024 and won the Mexican Open in February 2024 for his first TOUR victory.
