A close friend of Tyrese Halliburton’s fiancée, who passed away unexpectedly during a bachelorette getaway in St. Barts, played a significant role in the couple’s wedding festivities, as seen in emotional photos.
Makenzie Khan, who tragically died from unknown health issues on June 8, just two days after her 26th birthday celebration in the Caribbean, had been smiling brightly next to bride-to-be Jade Jones at an April bridal shower.
Khan donned a light blue maxi dress with cutouts, striking a happy pose alongside her friends. Jones even lifted her in the air, reminiscing about their time cheering at Iowa State.
Jones and Khan’s close friendship, as well as Jones’s relationship with the now two-time NBA All-Star, began during her college years and continued until 2020.
“My literal dream bridal shower!!!!!!,” Jones wrote, sharing cheerful moments from the shower held at an upscale steakhouse in downtown Chicago.
Family members of Khan believe her sudden passing was not influenced by drugs, alcohol, or any illegal activity. Yet, in photos taken during the first days of Jones’ bachelorette trip, Khan appeared joyful and carefree.
One Instagram image, posted by Jones and her bridal party, features Khan in a blue two-piece outfit, arms open wide and beaming, surrounded by friends in similar attire, with Jones in white at the center.
The group enjoyed moments by the pool, on a boat, and along the beautiful waterfront, toasting to the playful theme “Hali Ever After,” a nod to Haliburton’s last name, before the celebration turned heartbreaking.
Khan’s family noted in a statement that she passed away “surrounded by close friends on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to St. Barthelemy.”
Friends shared that she embraced her experiences, like boating with her dad and trying water skiing—so much so that they had to pull her out of the water, showing just how much fun she was having.
Khan, originally from Iowa, is fondly remembered for her vibrant spirit, having “lived life to the fullest” and brightening others’ days.
She graduated from Iowa State University in 2022 with a degree in human development and family studies, and was the membership director for the YMCA of Omaha at the time of her passing.
Her obituary reflected on her dedication to work, friends, and her cherished pets, especially her cat Dusty, noting she always prioritized others’ happiness.
Even as a child, she was selfless, letting others go down the slide first, saying, “You go first, I’ll take a turn later.”
She is survived by her parents, in-laws, sister, brother-in-law, grandparents, and boyfriend.
Jones and Halliburton are set to marry on August 1.
The couple, who have been together for over seven years, started their journey while both playing as guards for the Iowa State Cyclones.
Haliburton was drafted by the Sacramento Kings in 2020 and traded to the Indiana Pacers in 2022.
They are making plans for their upcoming wedding, which can be found in their online marriage registry.
