Golf fans and followers of Jake Knapp were left heartbroken this week after news broke that his girlfriend, Makena White, had died at just 28. The Makena White cause of death remains unconfirmed, and this article breaks down everything currently known about her passing, her health history, and how Knapp and her family have responded.
Biography Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Makena White |
| Date of Death | September 2025 (late September) |
| Age | 28 |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Profession/Occupation | Medical device sales representative |
| Dating/Relationship Status | Girlfriend of PGA Tour golfer Jake Knapp (dating since 2023) |
| Parents | Mother, Crystal (died April 2022) |
| Social Media | Instagram, X |
Makena White Cause of Death: What We Know
Who Was Makena White
Makena White was a 28-year-old medical device sales representative from Ottawa, Canada, who became a familiar face on the PGA Tour as Jake Knapp’s girlfriend. She and Knapp began dating in 2023 and made their relationship Instagram-official the following year.
White quickly became a regular presence at tournaments, cheering Knapp on through milestone moments in his second PGA Tour season, including his first PGA Tour win at the 2023 Mexico Open. She was also famously by his side when he shot a record-setting round of 59 at the 2025 Cognizant Classic.
Beyond golf, White shared a close bond with her father and friends, and she was known for her outgoing personality and adventurous spirit. She also had two dogs, Nelly and Fergie, who were mentioned by name in the tribute announcing her passing.
How Her Death Was Announced
News of Makena White’s passing first surfaced on Friday, September 26, 2025, when an unnamed friend posted a tribute on White’s own Instagram account. The post did not specify how or where she died, only that she had passed away earlier that week.
The friend described White as “one of a kind” and praised her rare way of making the people around her feel special, noting the joy and occasional chaos she brought to those closest to her.
The tribute closed by asking followers to consider donating in White’s memory to the Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic or the Griffin Bell Endowment Fund, two causes with personal significance to her and her family. No official cause of death or details from law enforcement authorities have been shared publicly.
Jake Knapp’s Statement
Jake Knapp addressed his girlfriend’s death in a statement sent to People and other outlets, notably choosing not to disclose how she died. He described Makena as a thoughtful, selfless person and said he appreciated the unforgettable memories they shared together.
Knapp called it a tough reality to comprehend now that she is no longer with us, and he pointed to her fun, outgoing energy as something that would be missed by everyone who knew her.
He also asked for privacy and respect for Makena’s family and friends during this difficult time, calling it an understatement to say how hard the loss has been to process. Knapp’s manager has not shared additional details beyond the statement.
Her Health History and Social Media Posts
In the days following her death, attention turned to a series of social media posts in which White referenced ongoing heart-related health issues, though none of these posts have been officially confirmed to be connected to her death.
In a June post on X, White described experiencing an elevated heart rate, joking about being “tachycardic” while referencing a golf charity event. Tachycardia refers to a heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute and can, in some cases, signal an underlying condition requiring medical attention.
An earlier post from May referenced a heart defect that required her to wear monitoring equipment and made regular visits to a cardiologist’s office. In her X bio, she jokingly described herself as a “vascular and cardiac surgery nerd,” reflecting her medical sales background.
While these posts have fueled speculation online, the official cause linking her health history to her passing remains pending, and none of the outlets reporting on her death have confirmed a direct connection.
Family Background
Makena White’s family has faced loss before. Her mother, Crystal, began treatment at the Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic in 2018 after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and she passed away in 2022 following two strokes.
White announced her mother’s death on social media at the time, and friends say the connection to the Bruyère clinic is part of why it was named in the tribute encouraging memorial donations after Makena’s own passing.
The Griffin Bell Endowment Fund, the second organization named in the tribute, was created in honor of a child who died of cancer, giving both suggested charities a personal, family-rooted meaning for those who knew White.
FAQs
What was Makena White’s cause of death?
A specific cause of death has not been released by White’s family, Jake Knapp, or any official source. The latest reporting confirms that no medical or law enforcement details have been publicly disclosed as of this writing.
Who was Makena White?
Makena White was a 28-year-old medical device sales representative from Ottawa, Canada, and the girlfriend of PGA Tour golfer Jake Knapp. She was well known among golf fans for regularly supporting him at tournaments.
How did Jake Knapp find out or respond to her death, and what happened to Makena White?
Knapp responded with a statement issued through his manager to People and other outlets, praising White’s character and thoughtful nature. He did not share details about how she died and asked for privacy for her family and friends.
Did Makena White have health issues before she died?
White posted on social media about experiencing tachycardia and a heart defect that required monitoring equipment and regular cardiologist visits. However, these posts have not been officially confirmed as related to her death, and any link remains speculation at this stage.
When and how was her death announced, and how did Makena White die?
Her death was announced on September 26, 2025, by a close friend in an Instagram post on White’s own account. The post confirmed she passed away earlier that week without specifying a cause or location.
Where can people donate in her memory?
Friends suggested donations to the Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic and the Griffin Bell Endowment Fund, both organizations with personal significance tied to White’s own family history and her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
Is there any TMZ or Reddit reporting on Makena White’s cause of death?
As of now, no outlet — including TMZ or Reddit discussions — has published a confirmed cause of death for Makena White. Most coverage, including statements from Jake Knapp, has focused on tributes rather than medical specifics.
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