Makena White, girlfriend of pro golfer Jake Knapp, dies at 28
Friend posts on Instagram announcing death; charities urged in her memory
Makena White, the girlfriend of professional golfer Jake Knapp, has died at age 28. A friend announced the death in an Instagram post on White's account on Friday, saying she passed earlier this week and that she is 'already so deeply missed' by her dad, her family, her friends — and by her two dogs, Nelly and Fergie.
The message described White as 'one of a kind' with a rare ability to make others feel special, and said her 'huge heart' overflowed with love, laughter, and a healthy dose of chaos as the couple tried to keep up with her travel schedule. The post invited those who wished to honor her memory to donate to Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic or the Griffin Bell Endowment Fund.
White's mother, Crystal, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, began going to the Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic in 2018. "We love you Mak. We'll miss you always, and we'll be looking for you in the sunset," the obituary-like statement ended. The note also directed donations to Bruyère and the Griffin Bell Endowment Fund as ways to honor White's memory.
In White's final public posts, she shared a tribute to Knapp as he completed his second season on the PGA Tour. In an Aug. 11 Instagram carousel, she wrote, "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."
A representative for Knapp did not immediately respond to Page Six’s requests for comment. No cause of death has been publicly disclosed, and additional details were not available at this time.