PGA Tour golfer Jake Knapp has spoken of his devastation following the sudden death of his girlfriend, Makena White, aged just 28.
White’s passing was confirmed on Friday through a statement posted to her Instagram account by a close friend, prompting an outpouring of tributes from family, friends, and fans.
Knapp, who earned his maiden PGA Tour victory at the Mexico Open earlier this year, described White as a remarkable person whose warmth and generosity touched everyone she met.
“Makena was such a thoughtful person whose selflessness toward others is something I will always appreciate,” Knapp told the Daily Mail.
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“We shared so many unforgettable memories together and now that she’s no longer with us, it’s a tough reality to comprehend.
“She had an incredible family, great friends, and 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.”
Jake Knapp said he shared 'so many unforgettable memories' with girlfriend Makena White before her tragic death
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The emotional statement posted to White’s Instagram page earlier this week read: “Hi everyone – this is Makena’s friend, writing with the heaviest heart to share that Makena passed away earlier this week.
“She is already so deeply missed by her Dad, her family, her friends, and of course by Nelly and Fergie.
“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.
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Makena White pictured in a social media post before her tragic death aged 28
|“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.
“If you would like to honour Makena’s memory, donations to the Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic or the Griffin Bell Endowment Fund would mean a lot.
“We love you Mak. We’ll miss you always, and we’ll be looking for you in the sunset.”
Knapp and White had been together for two years, with their relationship becoming public knowledge after his breakthrough victory in Mexico.
The couple were frequently seen together at tournaments, with White cheering him on from the fairways.
Originally from Ottawa, White graduated from McMaster University in 2019 with degrees in communications and software engineering.
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Jake Knapp is a golfer on the PGA tour
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She went on to work in surgical sales, supplying specialist equipment to vascular and cardiac surgeons.
Known for her adventurous spirit and love of sport, White was a passionate supporter of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators and travelled extensively to watch Knapp compete on the PGA Tour.
Just six weeks before her passing, she shared what would become her final Instagram post, celebrating Knapp’s second season on tour: “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.”
White’s death has left the golfing community in shock, with tributes continuing to pour in for the young Canadian whose presence had been a fixture on tour over the past two seasons.