Adam Cairns-USA TODAY Network

Makena White was public about her heart health issues

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated Sep 29, 2025 10:03 AM ET

Makena White died during the week at the age of 28, though the reason for her death has not been publicly disclosed. White was the girlfriend of PGA Tour golfer Jake Knapp.

Knapp issued a statement on White’s death Friday and called the situation “a tough reality to comprehend.”

White had described herself on her X social media profile as a “vascular & cardiac surgery nerd.” She talked about making visits to her cardiologist and said she was wearing a holter monitor.

“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. Great networking opener though!” White wrote in a post on X in May.

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. Great networking opener though! pic.twitter.com/unvPpEOWzm
— Makena (@makenawhite) May 23, 2025

A Holter monitor is used to monitor a person’s heart rhythm.

White and Knapp had been dating for at least two years.

“Makena was one of a kind,” a friend of Makena wrote in a final post on White’s Instagram account. “She had this rare way of making you feel special, and 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.

“If you would like to honour Makena’s memory, donations to the Bruyère Brain Health & Memory Clinic or the Griffin Bell Endowment Fund would mean a lot.

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

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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