Jake Knapp's girlfriend's heartbreaking final post aged 28 revealed as he speaks out on loss for first time
Golfer Jake Knapp has paid tribute to his girlfriend Makena White, describing her as a ‘thoughtful’ and ‘selfless’ person, with whom he shared ‘so many unforgettable memories’.
On Friday (September 28), the family of 28-year-old White announced she’d died earlier this week via a heartbreaking Instagram post.
“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,” the social media statement 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.”
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Now, White’s boyfriend - PGA golfer Knapp, 31 - has broken his silence by releasing a statement of his own, honouring his partner.
Speaking to PEOPLE Magazine, the American sportsman wrote: “Makena was such a thoughtful person whose selflessness toward others is something I will always appreciate.
“We shared so many unforgettable memories together and now that she’s no longer with us, it’s a tough reality to comprehend.”
Knapp, who had reportedly been in a relationship with White since August 2023, continued, remarking on her ‘incredible family’ and the ‘great friends’ she’d surrounded herself with.
“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,” he added.
Just weeks before her death was announced, White celebrated the celebrity couple’s two year anniversary with a sweet social media post.
"Year 2 of first fairway hugs & watching you live out your dreams,” the Canadian 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.”
The post featured various photos of White and Knapp embracing, as well as pictures of the pair on the North American golf tour.
Knapp and White only went public with their relationship after his first PGA Tour win, last February at the Mexico Open.
Tributes have been pouring in from the golf world across social media, with broadcaster Jeff Eisenband writing: “This is so heartbreaking. Makena White was such an awesome person. Sure, she was hilarious here on Twitter, but in person, she was such a bright light, and the love her and Jake Knapp shared for each other was beautiful."
CBS Sports golf personality Amanda Balionis typed: "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.”
Elsewhere, journalist and author Jacqui Deevoy commented: “And another sudden death of a young person. Cause of death not been revealed yet.”
As well as supporting her boyfriend on the green, the Ottawa-born personality was a fan of her hometown hockey team, the Ottawa Senators.
White’s family has asked anyone who wishes to honour the memory of their daughter to donate to the Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic or the Griffin Bell Endowment Fund.
Topics: Sport, Celebrity, Golf, US News, Social Media
Ella Scott