Jake Knapp Breaks Silence on Girlfriend Makena White’s Death

Jake Knapp has spoken out following the death of his girlfriend, Makena White.

Hours after White’s death was announced on Friday, Sept. 26, the PGA golfer broke his silence and remembered his girlfriend in a statement.

“Makena was such a thoughtful person whose selflessness toward others is something I will always appreciate,” Knapp wrote in a statement exclusively to PEOPLE. “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.”

Knapp and White reportedly began dating in August 2023, according to an NBC broadcast after his win at the Mexico Open in February 2024. After Knapp won, the PGA Tour account on X posted a video of White’s reaction to Knapp’s victory.

A friend of White shared the news of her death on Friday, Sept. 26 in a post on White’s Instagram account, announcing that the 28-year-old Ottawa native had died earlier that week.

“Hi everyone – this is Makena’s friend, writing with the heaviest heart to share that Makena passed away earlier this week,” the post, which included a smiling selfie of White, began. “She is already so deeply missed by her Dad, her family, her friends, and of course by Nelly and Fergie,” a reference to White’s two dogs.

White was “one of a kind” and someone who “had this rare way of making you feel special,” her friend wrote, adding that “her huge heart was always overflowing with love.”

“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 friend added, before encouraging those who “would like to honour” White to make donations to Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic or the Griffin Bell Endowment Fund.

The Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic previously shared that White’s mother, Crystal, started going to the clinic 2018 and was eventually diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. Her mom died in April 2022, according to White’s Instagram.

“We love you Mak. We’ll miss you always, and we’ll be looking for you in the sunset 💛,” the friend concluded.