The world of professional golf and a close-knit circle of friends and family are mourning the loss of Makena White, the longtime girlfriend of PGA Tour golfer Jake Knapp, who died earlier this week at the age of 28. The news, confirmed on September 26, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the sporting community and beyond, as those who knew White remember her as a beacon of joy, compassion, and boundless energy.
White’s death was first made public in a heartfelt Instagram post shared by a close friend, who took over her account to deliver the somber message. The post began, "Hi everyone - this is Makena's friend, writing with the heaviest heart to share that Makena passed away earlier this week." The cause of her death has not been disclosed, and friends and family have asked for privacy during this difficult time. According to People, Jake Knapp himself broke his silence on Friday, issuing an emotional statement that captured both the depth of his loss and the impact White had on those around her.
"Makena was such a thoughtful person whose selflessness toward others is something I will always appreciate," Knapp wrote. "We shared so many unforgettable memories together, and now that she's no longer with us, it's a tough reality to comprehend." He continued, "She had an incredible family, great friends, and her fun, outgoing energy will be missed by all of us. It's 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."
White’s friend’s tribute painted a vivid picture of a woman whose presence was truly one of a kind. "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." The post added, "She is already so deeply missed by her dad, her family, her friends, and of course by Nelly and Fergie," a reference to White’s two beloved dogs.
White’s legacy is being honored through donations to causes close to her heart, particularly the Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic in Ontario and the Griffin Bell Endowment Fund. The Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic specializes in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of cognitive impairment, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. This clinic had a personal connection for White: her mother, Crystal, began attending in 2018 and was eventually diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Crystal passed away in April 2022, a loss that deeply affected White and her family. The Griffin Bell Endowment Fund, also based in Ontario, was created in memory of Griffin Bell, who died of cancer in 2024, and supports ongoing research for children with cancer.
White’s life, though tragically short, was marked by adventure, devotion, and a fierce love for those around her. She and Knapp began dating in early 2024, and their relationship was chronicled in a series of affectionate social media posts. Just six weeks before her death, White posted what would become her final tribute to Knapp, celebrating the end of his second PGA season. In August 2025, she wrote, "Year 2 of first fairway hugs & watching you live out your dreams… 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."
Her posts often read like love letters, brimming with pride and gratitude for the life she was building with Knapp. In May, she celebrated his birthday with the words: "You make every place feel like home. I love you, sweet boy." For those who followed her journey, these messages now serve as poignant reminders of a love that ran deep and a spirit that was difficult to contain.
Knapp, 31, has been largely absent from the public eye since the news broke. He did not participate in the 2025 Ryder Cup in Bethpage, New York, and his last tournament appearance was at the FedEx St. Jude Championship in early August, where he finished tied for 62nd place. According to People, his silence was broken only by his moving statement, which underscored the enormity of his loss and the respect he holds for White’s memory.
White’s friend, in her Instagram tribute, encouraged followers to honor her memory by supporting the causes that mattered most to her. "Donations were encouraged to the Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic and the Griffin Bell Endowment Fund to honor Makena's memory," the post stated. The Bruyère Clinic, in particular, played a significant role in White’s life following her mother’s diagnosis and eventual passing, offering support and care during an unimaginably challenging time.
The outpouring of grief and remembrance has extended beyond White’s immediate circle. Friends, family, and even those who knew her only through social media have shared stories of her kindness, her adventurous spirit, and her ability to make everyone feel special. "Makena had this rare way of making you feel special, and her huge heart was always overflowing with love," her friend’s tribute read. "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."
For Knapp, the journey ahead will no doubt be a difficult one, as he and White’s loved ones come to terms with a future without her infectious laughter and unwavering support. The request for privacy speaks volumes about the depth of their grief, as well as the need for space to remember White on their own terms.
While the circumstances surrounding White’s death remain private, her impact on those around her is unmistakable. Her memory lives on not only in the hearts of those who loved her but also in the charitable efforts being made in her name. The Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic and the Griffin Bell Endowment Fund will continue to benefit from the generosity inspired by White’s life and legacy.
As friends and family look for her "in the sunset," as her friend so beautifully put it, they do so with the knowledge that Makena White’s spirit—her kindness, her energy, her love—will not soon be forgotten. The world may have lost a bright light, but her legacy endures in the lives she touched and the causes she championed.
