Support Pours In for Professional Athlete After Girlfriend’s Tragic Passing

Makena White, the beloved girlfriend of professional golfer Jake Knapp, has tragically passed away. The news was shared with heartbreak on her Instagram account Friday, September 26, where a friend wrote that White “is already so deeply missed by her Dad, her family, her friends, and of course by [her dogs] Nelly and Fergie.”

The message remembered White as “one of a kind” who made people feel special and always overflowed 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.”

A cause of death was not revealed. Donations were requested in her memory to the Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic or the Griffin Bell Endowment Fund, which supports pediatric cancer research.

The complete statement shared on White’s Instagram page reads:

“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.

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.

If you 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.

We love you, Mak. We’ll miss you always, and we’ll be looking for you in the sunset 💛”

Tributes From Friends & the Golf Community

The Instagram announcement sparked an outpouring of tributes. CBS Sports golf reporter Amanda Balionis remembered White fondly, writing, “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 💛💛.”

The comment section quickly filled with messages from fans, friends, and members of the golf community offering condolences and support for Knapp and White’s loved ones.

Another comment read: “I will never forget the day I met this gorgeous, vivacious girl. The day she and my daughter became roommates and started what Mak called their 8-month sleepover. I adored her from that first moment of meeting. We are blessed to have shared in your light and love. You will be missed beyond measure.”

A Look Back at White & Knapp’s Relationship

White often shared her love and support for Knapp, 31, on social media. In her last Instagram post on August 11, she praised him for his successful season on the PGA TOUR.

“Year 2 of first fairway hugs & watching you live out your dreams 🫶🏼,” she wrote. “Second season in the books — forever grateful to be on this walk with you, here’s to many many many more! I looooove you sweet boy, you make it so dang easy to be proud 💛.”

She also celebrated his birthday in May, calling him her “best friend.” “No matter where our crazy adventures take us, you make every place feel like home 💛,” White added. Knapp replied, “Thank youuu, I love you ❤️.”

The couple first went public with their romance in March 2024, sharing photos on Instagram in what fans called a “hard launch.”

Knapp’s Rising Golf Career

(Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

Knapp, a native of Costa Mesa, California, earned his PGA TOUR card in 2024. That same year, he secured his first TOUR victory at the Mexican Open in February.

White frequently highlighted his hard work and dedication in her posts, calling him “the kindest, hardest working, most generous, handsome, talented person I’ll ever know.”

She often expressed her pride in watching him achieve his goals, describing their journey together as a blessing.

The post Support Pours In for Professional Athlete After Girlfriend’s Tragic Passing appeared first on EntertainmentNow.