Jake Knapp speaks out after girlfriend Makena White's death at 28

On the opening day of the Ryder Cup in New York, American golfer Jake Knapp publicly acknowledged the death of his girlfriend Makena White, saying it is a tough reality to comprehend. White, 28, had been dating Knapp since August 2023, and her death was announced on social media. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Knapp told the Daily Mail that White was a thoughtful person whose selflessness he would always appreciate. He said they shared many memories, and that her passing is hard for everyone who knew Mak, especially her family and friends who deserve privacy and respect. The couple went public with their relationship after Knapp’s first PGA Tour win at the Mexico Open in February 2024. White was a native of Ottawa, Ontario, and earned degrees in communications and software engineering in 2019 from McMaster University. She worked in surgical sales, providing equipment to vascular and cardiac surgeons.

The death was announced on the Ryder Cup’s opening day, a moment that brought attention to Knapp and his relationship amid a high-profile event. While the statement did not disclose a cause, Knapp emphasized the need for privacy for White’s family and friends during what relatives described as a difficult time. The news arrives as Knapp, 31, navigates both his professional schedule and a personal loss that unfolded in the public eye, underscoring the intersection of sports, media, and personal tragedy that can accompany top-level competition.