{"id":195556,"date":"2025-09-27T03:48:12","date_gmt":"2025-09-27T03:48:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2025\/09\/27\/makena-white-dead-at-28-jake-knapp-pays-emotional-tribute\/"},"modified":"2025-09-27T03:48:12","modified_gmt":"2025-09-27T03:48:12","slug":"makena-white-dead-at-28-jake-knapp-pays-emotional-tribute","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2025\/09\/27\/makena-white-dead-at-28-jake-knapp-pays-emotional-tribute\/","title":{"rendered":"Makena White Dead at 28: Jake Knapp Pays Emotional Tribute"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Jake Knapp<\/strong> has broken his silence after his girlfriend Makena White<\/strong> died<\/a> at age 28.<\/p>\n

The professional golfer told People<\/em> <\/a>via a statement on Friday, September 28 that her death was a \u201ctough reality to comprehend\u201d as he paid tribute to his late girlfriend.<\/p>\n

\u201cMakena was such a thoughtful person whose selflessness toward others is something I will always appreciate,\u201d Knapp, 31, wrote via the statement. \u201cWe shared so many unforgettable memories together and now that she\u2019s no longer with us, it\u2019s a tough reality to comprehend.\u201d<\/p>\n

He continued, \u201cShe had an incredible family, great friends, and her fun, outgoing energy will be missed by all of us. It\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n Related: <\/span>Girlfriend of Professional Golfer Jake Knapp Dead: Makena White Was 28<\/span><\/a>
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\n\t\t\tMakena White, the girlfriend of American professional golfer Jake Knapp, has died.\u00a0 The tragic news was announced via White\u2019s Instagram page on Friday, September 26.\u00a0 \u201cHi everyone \u2014 this is Makena\u2019s friend, writing with the heaviest heart to share that Makena passed away earlier this week,\u201d the statement read. \u201cShe is already so deeply missed [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Earlier on Friday, White\u2019s death was announced via her Instagram<\/a> account by a friend posting on her behalf.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi everyone \u2014 this is Makena\u2019s friend, writing with the heaviest heart to share that Makena passed away earlier this week,\u201d the statement read. \u201cShe is already so deeply missed by her Dad, her family, her friends, and of course by [her dogs] Nelly and Fergie.\u201d<\/p>\n

The post continued, \u201cMakena 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n Makena White and Jake Knapp.<\/span> (Photo courtesy of Makena White\/Instagram)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cWe love you Mak,\u201d the post concluded. \u201cWe\u2019ll miss you always, and we\u2019ll be looking for you in the sunset \ud83d\udc9b.\u201d<\/p>\n

A cause of death was not revealed. However, donations were asked to be made in her name to the Bruy\u00e8re Brain Health & Memory Clinic or the Griffin Bell Endowment Fund.<\/p>\n

Knapp and White had been dating since August 2023 and went public with their relationship in February.<\/p>\n

White\u2019s last social media post was a gushing tribute to Knapp shared in August following a successful season on the PGA Tour.<\/p>\n

\u201cYear 2 of first fairway hugs & watching you live out your dreams \ud83e\udef6\ud83c\udffc,\u201d White wrote via Instagram alongside a carousel of photos of the couple. \u201cSecond season in the books \u2014 forever grateful to be on this walk with you, here\u2019s to many many many more! I looooove you sweet boy, you make it so dang easy to be proud \ud83d\udc9b.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n Related: <\/span>Celebrity Deaths of 2025: Billy Vigar and More Stars We\u2019ve Lost This Year<\/span><\/a>
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\n\t\t\tHollywood has mourned the deaths of some of its most legendary stars in 2025. January brought the tragic news of the death of Twin Peaks cocreator David Lynch. February saw the deaths of \u201cKilling Me Softly With His Song\u2019 singer Roberta Flack and Gossip Girl alum Michelle Trachtenberg. Boxing great George Foreman died in March, [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

White also praised Knapp publicly in May as she celebrated his birthday with a sweet post, calling him her \u201cbest friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo matter where our crazy adventures take us, you make every place feel like home \ud83d\udc9b,\u201d she wrote. \u201cI love you sweet boy!\u201d<\/p>\n

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