In her final Instagram update, Makena White shared an emotional tribute to her boyfriend, PGA Tour champion Jake Knapp, just weeks shy of her 28th birthday.
White, who had been in a relationship with Knapp for two years, expressed her feelings in an August post.
“Seeing you chase your dreams in the second year of First Fairway’s journey,” she wrote on August 11th. “This second season of our story—I’m so grateful to walk this path with you. There’s so much ahead.”
Her friends announced her passing earlier this week.
“Hey everyone, this is a friend of Makena’s, and it’s with a heavy heart that I share she passed away earlier this week,” the announcement read. “She has been dearly missed by her father, family, friends, and of course, Nelly and Fergie.”
“Makena was one of a kind. She had this special talent for making everyone feel valued. Her immense heart overflowed with love. To be loved by Makena was truly a gift.”
The details surrounding White’s death are still unclear.
Many shared their condolences in the comments of her last post, including golf analyst Dan Rappaport, who remarked, “What a light she was.”
“Spending time with Makena was one of my highlights of last year,” CBS Golf Reporter Amanda Barionis commented. “Her laughter, passion, and ability to connect with anyone were remarkable. I really miss her light… it reached so many.”
Knapp and White’s relationship came to public attention after Knapp’s win at the Mexico Open last year.
Knap has yet to make a public statement regarding White’s passing.
