When PGA Tour golfer Jake Knapp’s girlfriend, Makena White, passed away at just 28, the news sent a wave of grief through the golf world and beyond. She had become a familiar presence at Knapp’s tournaments over their two years together, but behind that public visibility was a full life built around family, friends, travel and a career she was genuinely proud of.
Quick Facts
| Field | Information |
| Name | Makena Joy Barrington White |
| Born | July 18, 1997, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Died | September 22, 2025, aged 28 |
| Education | McMaster University, honours degrees in Communications and Software Engineering, 2019 |
| Career | Medical/surgical device sales; healthcare industry |
| Relationship | Girlfriend of PGA Tour golfer Jake Knapp (2023–2025) |
| Cause of death | Not publicly disclosed |
Who Was Makena White?
White was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, where she attended St. Joseph High School and was active in athletics, serving as Athletic Council president and playing hockey for the Nepean Wildcats. She went on to study at McMaster University, graduating in 2019 with honours degrees in both Communications and Software Engineering.
Those who knew her described someone adventurous and deeply curious about the world. Her official memorial noted trips that took her across Europe for work, time spent volunteering at an orphanage in Uganda, medical and surgical volunteer work in Peterborough, and a visit to The Masters. She was also known for her close bond with her two dogs, Fergie and Nelly.
Her Career In Healthcare
White worked in medical and surgical device sales, eventually moving into a role connected to the healthcare company LeMaitre, where she helped vascular and cardiac surgeons access the equipment needed to treat patients. She spoke about the shift from a straightforward sales career into healthcare as something driven by a desire to actually help people, and colleagues who worked with her echoed that same sense of purpose in the way she approached her job.
Her Relationship With Jake Knapp
White and Knapp began dating in August 2023. Their relationship became public in early 2024 after Knapp won the Mexico Open, his first PGA Tour victory, when White ran onto the 18th green to celebrate with him. From there, she became a regular presence at his tournaments, including a memorable moment at the 2025 Cognizant Classic, where she embraced him on the course after he carded a historic first-round 59.
Their relationship spanned roughly two years. White’s final public Instagram post came on August 11, 2025, marking their second anniversary with photos from their time together and a message about being grateful to share in his journey as a professional golfer. Knapp, for his part, regularly celebrated her achievements too, including congratulating her publicly after she completed a half marathon in October 2024.
Her Death
White died on September 22, 2025, according to her official memorial at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa. Her death was publicly announced four days later, on September 26, in a message a close friend shared on her Instagram account, describing her as someone with a rare gift for making the people around her feel special.
No official cause of death has been publicly disclosed. Multiple outlets, including Golf Channel and the Associated Press, reported explicitly that no further details had been released, and Jake Knapp did not identify a cause in his own public statement. Some earlier social media posts from White referenced a heart-related issue and the use of a monitoring device in the months before her death, but there is no confirmed connection between those posts and her passing, and that link should not be treated as established fact.
In a statement shared through his manager, Knapp described White as thoughtful and selfless, said they had shared countless unforgettable memories together, and asked that her family and friends be given privacy and respect during an incredibly difficult time.
Her Memorial
White’s visitation was held on October 1, 2025, followed by a celebration of life on October 2 at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery & Cremation Services in Ottawa. Her family asked attendees to wear yellow in her honor. In lieu of flowers, they requested donations be made to the Bruyère Health Memory Clinic, where White’s mother, Crystal Barrington, had received care before her own death in 2022, or to the Griffin Bell Golden Endowment Fund at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Foundation, which supports pediatric cancer research.
FAQs
Who is Jake Knapp’s girlfriend?
Jake Knapp’s girlfriend was Makena White, a Canadian medical sales professional from Ottawa. The two dated from 2023 until her death in September 2025.
How did Makena White die?
Her cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. Reports referencing prior health issues have not been confirmed as connected to her passing.
How long did Jake Knapp and Makena White date?
They dated for roughly two years, from August 2023 until her death in September 2025.
What did Jake Knapp say about Makena White’s death?
He released a statement calling her thoughtful and selfless, saying losing her was difficult to comprehend, and asked for privacy for her family and friends.
Where was Makena White’s memorial held?
Her celebration of life was held on October 2, 2025, at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery & Cremation Services in Ottawa, Ontario.
Discover also: Celebrity News
Source: Sports Illustrated
M Adnan Akram is the founder and lead writer at Back Casting Room, where he covers celebrity biographies, family histories, and the lesser-known figures behind well-known names. His work focuses on separating verified public information from speculation, drawing on publicly available records, interviews, and credible reporting to build accurate, well-researched profiles.
With a particular interest in entertainment and pop culture, Adnan writes about everything from celebrity net worth breakdowns to the private individuals connected to famous names, the spouses, family members, and background figures whose stories rarely get told in full.
At Back Casting Room, the goal is straightforward: give readers accurate, well-sourced information without the clickbait or unverified claims that often surround celebrity-adjacent stories.
