Makena White candidly shared her health struggles through a series of social media posts before her untimely passing at the age of 28. White, who was the beloved girlfriend of PGA golfer Jake Knapp, passed away earlier this week, as announced by a close friend in a heartfelt Instagram post on Friday, September 26.
In the months leading up to her death, White took to social media to document her health challenges. In one poignant X post from June, she shared a snapshot of the US Open Golf Championship scores displayed on her laptop while she was at work. “We’re dialled #GolfsLongestDay,” she captioned the photo, radiating enthusiasm.
A subsequent post featured a close-up of her Apple Watch, revealing an elevated heart rate of 133. White disclosed in the caption that she suffered from tachycardia, a condition characterized by an abnormally rapid heartbeat. “(By dialled I mean tachycardic) #GolfsLongestDay,” she clarified, injecting a touch of humor into her candid admission.
Another revealing post from a month earlier, in May, showed White sporting a holter monitor, a portable device used to record heart activity. “The irony of being at a cardiac surgery conference (for my job) while wearing a holter monitor for your own heart defect is pretty funny,” she quipped alongside the image, demonstrating her characteristic wit.
In yet another post from April, White hinted at undergoing one of what seemed to be a series of recent medical procedures. “Holy s---. Just rose from 6h post anesthesia nap,” she penned on X, offering a glimpse into her resilience in the face of adversity.
In her friend's touching tribute, White was remembered as “one of a kind”—a person who possessed “this rare way of making you feel special.” She was celebrated for her “huge heart” that “was always overflowing with love.” The friend continued, “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.” The tribute concluded with a call for donations to the Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic or the Griffin Bell Endowment Fund in honor of White.
Hours after the announcement of White’s passing, Knapp broke his silence, sharing a heartfelt statement exclusively with PEOPLE. “Makena was such a thoughtful person whose selflessness toward others is something I will always appreciate,” the athlete reflected. “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 reportedly began dating White in August 2023, added, “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.”
