PGA golfer Jake Knapp’s girlfriend, Makena White, has died at the age of 28, a friend confirmed in a statement on her Instagram account.
“Hi everyone–this is Makena’s friend, writing with the heaviest heart to share that Makena passed away earlier this week,” the post read on Friday, September 26. The message added that she is “already so deeply missed by her dad, her family, her friends, and of course by Nelly and Fergie,” referencing White’s two dogs.
White’s friend described her as “one of a kind” with “this rare way of making you feel special,” and someone whose “huge heart was always overflowing with love.”
Knapp, who joined the PGA Tour in 2024, released a statement through PEOPLE following the news.
“Makena was such a thoughtful person whose selflessness toward others is something I will always appreciate,” he said. “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.”
Knapp and White reportedly began dating in August 2023, according to an NBC broadcast after Knapp’s victory at the Mexico Open in February 2024. White was a visible presence at his tournaments, including his breakthrough win at the Mexico Open at Vidanta earlier this year.
Cause of Death
No information has been released regarding the cause of White’s death. However, she had previously shared glimpses of her health struggles on social media in the months leading up to her passing.
In June, she posted on X while following the U.S. Open Golf Championship scores from her laptop at work.
“We’re dialled #GolfsLongestDay,” she wrote. Later, she shared a photo of her Apple Watch displaying a heart rate of 133.
White explained that she suffered from tachycardia, a condition that can cause the heart to beat abnormally fast, typically more than 100 beats per minute in adults. The condition can have many triggers, including stress, dehydration, fever, certain medications, or underlying heart problems.
“(By dialled I mean tachycardic) #GolfsLongestDay,” she wrote.
There has been no confirmation that her death is linked to the condition.
What People Are Saying
A friend of Makena’s, announcing her death on Instagram: “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.
“We love you Mak. We’ll miss you always, and we’ll be looking for you in the sunset.”