PGA Tour golfer Jake Knapp’s girlfriend, Makena White, has suddenly died at the age of 28.
Jake and Makena had been dating since 2023, but made their relationship public after the Mexican Open last year. Only a few months ago, White revealed her relationship with Knapp was getting her into trouble at work.
White was born in Ottawa, Canada, and graduated from McMaster University with a degree in communications and software engineering in 2019. She later pursued a career in sales, providing equipment to cardiac and vascular surgeons.
She was a die-hard Ottawa Senators fan and was known to love sports. She revealed having lost interest in golf after loving it as a child and only becoming a fan again after meeting Knapp.
Cause Of Jake Knapp’s Girlfriend’s Death Unknown
Makena’s cause of death is still unknown. A statement posted to her Instagram page confirmed her passing, with a friend sharing the heartbreaking post this Friday.
“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,” it read.
“We love you Mak. We’ll miss you always, and we’ll be looking for you in the sunset,” the friend also wrote.
Jake Knapp’s girlfriend Makena White passed away earlier this week. An announcement was shared on her Instagram page in the last hour. pic.twitter.com/PeEFkEk7XD
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) September 26, 2025
The surprise passing has prompted tributes from around the golf community.
“Getting to know Makena was one of my favorite parts of this last year. So much laughter, passion and she never met a stranger. I will miss her light… it touched so many,” Amanda Balionis of CBS Sports said.
Jake Knapp hadn’t commented on his girlfriend’s death as of the time of this writing.
We at TPS offer our deepest condolences to Jake, Makena’s family, and her loved ones.
May she rest in peace.
