Makena White’s friend announced her passing on Sept. 26
Makena White, 28, paid a heartfelt tribute to her boyfriend, PGA golfer Jake Knapp, in her last Instagram post before her death earlier this week.
Her passing was shared by a friend on White’s Instagram account on Friday, Sept. 26, describing her as “one of a kind” with a “huge heart overflowing with love.” The cause of her death has not been disclosed. Knapp has not competed since the FedEx St. Jude Championship concluded on Aug. 10.
White’s final post, shared on Aug. 11, featured four photos of the couple walking together. She celebrated Knapp’s golfing journey, writing:
“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! I looooove you sweet boy, you make it so dang easy to be proud 💛.”
The couple had been together for over two years and publicly confirmed their relationship around the time Knapp claimed his first PGA Tour victory at the Mexico Open in February 2024.
White, originally from Canada, attended McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, and later worked in medical device sales, PEOPLE previously reported.
In her Instagram tribute, White’s friend highlighted her warmth and generosity:
“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.”
Her friend also encouraged donations to the Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic or the Griffin Bell Endowment Fund in White’s memory. White’s mother, Crystal, had visited the clinic prior to her passing in 2022, according to a post on their website.
