PGA Tour star Jake Knapp is mourning the death of his girlfriend, Makena White, whose shocking passing was announced via social media on Friday.
Makena was only 28.
“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,” a post on her Instagram page reads.
Her cause of death hasn’t been revealed, but the post invites anyone who “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.”
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
Jake and Makena began dating in 2023 but didn’t make their relationship public until last year. She only recently admitted that the scrutiny got her into trouble at work.
The Ottawa, Canada, native worked in sales after acquiring a degree in communications and software engineering at McMaster University in 2019.
She was a huge supporter of her hometown NHL team, the Senators, and redeveloped an interest in golf after hooking up with Knapp, having loved it as a child but not so much as an adult.
Makena White’s Last IG Post Was All About Jake Knapp
Makena White’s final Instagram post was shared six weeks ago, and it was a show of support for her BF.
“Year 2 of first fairway hugs & watching you live out your dreams 🫶🏼Second season in the books — forever grateful to be on this walk with you, here’s to many many many more!” she wrote, sharing several photos of them together.
“I looooove you sweet boy, you make it so dang easy to be proud.”
You can see it right below:
News of her death saw many tributes come in from the golf community, including one from CBS reporter Amanda Balionis.
“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,” Balionis wrote.
Jake hasn’t made any public comment on his partner’s death.
