American golfer Jake Knapp has publicly mourned the loss of his girlfriend, Makena White, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 28. News of her death emerged on the opening day of the Ryder Cup in New York, leaving friends and family in shock. The couple had been dating since August 2023, and no official cause of death has been disclosed.
In a heartfelt statement to the US Daily Mail, Knapp expressed his deep sorrow. “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.”
Knapp emphasized the impact White had on those around her, highlighting her close-knit relationships. “She had an incredible family, great friends, and her fun, outgoing energy will be missed by all of us,” he noted. He also called for privacy for White’s loved ones during this challenging time, acknowledging the difficulty of processing her death for everyone who knew her.
The couple was known for their glamour in the sporting world, having gone public with their relationship after Knapp’s first PGA Tour win at the Mexico Open in early March 2024. White, a Canadian, graduated from McMaster University in 2019 with a degree in software engineering.
White’s passing was announced through an emotional post on Instagram by a close friend. “Hi everyone — this is Makena’s friend, writing with the heaviest heart to share that Makena passed away earlier this week,” the message read. “She is already so deeply missed by her Dad, her family, her friends, and of course by [her dogs] Nelly and Fergie.”
The tribute celebrated White’s unique ability to connect with others. “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,” the post continued. Friends shared fond memories, noting that being loved by White was a gift filled with joy and laughter.
For those wishing to honor White’s memory, the tribute mentioned donations to the Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic or the Griffin Bell Endowment Fund as meaningful gestures. “We love you Mak. We’ll miss you always, and we’ll be looking for you in the sunset,” the heartfelt message concluded.
Condolences and tributes poured in beneath the post, with many expressing their sorrow. One friend remarked, “Getting to know Makena was one of my favourite parts of last year. So much laughter, passion, and she never met a stranger. I will miss her light… it touched so many.”
Another shared their memories of White, stating, “So beautiful and sweet inside and out, you’ll be missed. Prayers.” One more wrote about the profound impact she made, describing how her friendship transformed their lives.
As the sporting community and her loved ones come to terms with this tragic loss, the outpouring of grief reflects the deep connections White fostered throughout her life.
