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White died this week at the age of just 28, her close friend announced. No details about the cause of her death have been released.
A post on White’s Instagram account read: “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 Bruyère 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.”
No other details about her death have been revealed.
Messages of condolence were shared online following the announcement.
CBS Sports course reporter Amanda Balionis said: “Getting to know Makena was one of my favourite parts of this last year.
“So much laughter, passion and she never met a stranger. I will miss her light … it touched so many.”
Meanwhile, golf writer and podcaster Dan Rapoport added: “What a light she was”.
White had been dating PGA Tour pro Knapp – who is ranked 80th in the world – for the last two years.
They went public with their relationship after Knapp got his first PGA Tour win at the Mexico Open last year.
The devastating news of her death comes on the first day of the Ryder Cup as Team USA take on Europe.
Just six weeks before her death, White sent a love message to Knapp on Instagram. The post was her last before the tragic announcement she had died.
It told of how well their relationship was going and how she was looking ahead to “many more” years together.
“Year 2 of first fairway hugs & watching you live out your dreams,” White wrote.
“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.”
A native of Ottawa, Ontario, White graduated from McMaster University with degrees in communications and software engineering in 2019 and went on to work in surgical sales – primarily providing equipment to vascular and cardiac surgeons.
She was also an avid sports fan and regularly supported her hometown hockey team, the Ottawa Senators.
Having grown up a golf fan, White rediscovered her love for the game after falling in love with Knapp.
The 31-year-old golfer went professional in 2016 and spent three years playing on the PGA Tour Canada before returning in 2022.
He also took part in the Korn Ferry Tour in 2020, 2021, and 2023.
To support his golf career, Knapp worked as a bouncer at a restaurant which doubled as a nightclub in his hometown of Costa Mesa, California, from 2021 to 2022.
This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission
Originally published as Jake Knapp’s girlfriend dead at 28, heartbreaking final post revealed
