Ottawa, Canada — The world is mourning the loss of Makena White, the 28-year-old girlfriend of professional golfer Jake Knapp. White, originally from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, passed away earlier this week, leaving family, friends, and fans heartbroken. Known for her vibrant personality, adventurous spirit, and courage in the face of chronic health struggles, White’s life was a testament to resilience and strength.
A Vibrant Life in Ottawa and Beyond
Makena White was born and raised in Ottawa, where she developed a passion for academics, travel, and sports. She graduated from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, in 2019, earning degrees in communications and software engineering. Her professional journey led her into surgical sales, providing specialized equipment to vascular and cardiac surgeons.
White’s life was defined by her love for adventure and devotion to the people she cared about. She had been in a relationship with PGA Tour golfer Jake Knapp since 2023, supporting him through tournaments and sharing a life filled with shared goals and mutual admiration.
Courage Amid Chronic Health Struggles
Makena White courageously battled multiple chronic and complex health conditions, including:
- Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS)
- Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS)
- Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
- Periodic Paralysis
Despite these challenges, White maintained her energy, positivity, and adventurous spirit, inspiring those around her with her resilience and determination. She faced each day with grace, never letting her illnesses define the vibrancy of her life.
Tributes and Remembrance
Friends shared the heartbreaking news via Instagram, describing her as a source of joy, laughter, and 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. We love you, Mak. We’ll miss you always, and we’ll be looking for you in the sunsets.”
Fans, friends, and members of the golf community have shared messages of grief and support, remembering White for her infectious spirit and the warmth she brought into everyone’s life.
Honoring Her Legacy
To honor her memory, White’s friends and family have requested donations to causes she held close to her heart, including the Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic and the Griffin Bell Endowment Fund, helping continue her legacy of compassion and care for others facing medical challenges.
A Life That Inspires
Makena White’s story is one of courage, love, and resilience. Though her time on this earth was far too short, she leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and inspiration. Her unwavering spirit, devotion to loved ones, and ability to face life’s challenges head-on will be remembered and celebrated by all who knew her.
Her passing serves as a poignant reminder to cherish every moment, honor the battles that others silently face, and celebrate the love and joy that individuals like Makena White bring into the world.
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