Tyrese Haliburton’s fiancee mourns friend’s sudden death during bachelorette trip

Makenzi Kern, 26, died unexpectedly during a Caribbean getaway. Jade Jones and Indiana Pacers star have shared heartfelt tributes in her memory

Published Jun 18, 2026  •  Last updated 26 minutes ago  •  3 minute read

Jade Jones and Makenzi Kern pose for a photo on Instagram. Jade Jones/Instagram

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Jade Jones, the fiancee of Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, has opened up following the sudden death of her friend during a bachelorette getaway to the Caribbean island of St. Barts.

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Makenzi Kern, one of the partygoers celebrating Jones’ upcoming nuptials to the NBA All-Star, died unexpectedly from health complications on June 8.

TMZ reported that Kern had turned 26 just two days before her tragic passing and that the circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear.

The outlet also reported that Kern’s family does not believe foul play, drugs, or alcohol contributed to her death.

On Wednesday, days after Kern’s unexpected passing, Jones shared a heartfelt Instagram post about her late, close friend.

What did Jade Jones write about her late friend?

“Everyone knows how Kenzi and my story started. I never knew our hilarious hair-pulling fight would’ve turned into a friendship that has changed my life forever,” she began. “Kenzi was the funniest, goofiest person I’ve ever met.

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“She was always making me belly laugh. She had such a gift of bringing happiness to every room she was in.”

Jones shared many of her favourite memories with Kern, including living together, attending concerts, and “dancing on countertops to Hannah Montana.”

“She truly found happiness in all the little things in life,” Jones wrote in the post, which included several photos of the two friends together.

Jones also shared how Kern had been a strong supporter of her relationship with Haliburton, who also attended Iowa State alongside the pair.

Jade Jones and Makenzi Kern pose for a photo on Instagram. Jade Jones/Instagram

“She loved and supported Tyrese and me through every chapter. She was our biggest cheerleader and showed up for me in every big moment in my life.

“I can’t even imagine our wedding day without her there celebrating with us,” Jones wrote. “The day will not be the same without her, but I know she will show us she is there somehow. She has been there for all of our moments since the day I met Tyrese. But Kenz will forever live on in my memories, my laughter, my stories, and in the person I am because of her. I will never stop laughing about all our memories together.”

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Jones concluded her message by expressing how grateful she was to have loved — and been loved by — her friend.

“Kenz was truly a light in this world, and that light will continue to shine in everyone who was lucky enough to know her. I love you forever until the end of time Kenzi,” Jones wrote. “Thank you for always showing up for me, for making me laugh until I cry, and for being such an unforgettable part of my life. I’ll always miss you but I know you’ll be with me, wherever I go.”

What did Tyrese Haliburton say?

Haliburton also publicly commented on Kern’s death for the first time on Wednesday, sharing a photo on his Instagram Stories of Jones and her friend embracing.

The two-time NBA All-Star wrote: “Will always love and miss you Kenz. Forever thankful for you,” alongside a red heart emoji.

How did they know each other?

Jones and Kern shared several photos together on Instagram over the years and reportedly became close friends during their time at Iowa State University, where they were both members of the cheerleading team.

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Jones posted photos on Instagram on June 6 from the tropical destination, showing herself and several friends partying and enjoying the beach and Caribbean Sea. June 6 was also Kern’s birthday and came just two days before her death.

“Hopped on a flight to cloud 9,” the post was captioned.

Makenzi Kern poses for a photo on Instagram. Makenzi Kern/Instagram

What did Kern’s family say?

In an online obituary, Kern’s family wrote that she died while “surrounded by her closest friends on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to St. Barthelemy Island.”

The obituary also described Kern’s love of the water and noted how much she had been enjoying the trip.

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“She loved boating with her dad, water skiing, and got to try out a seabob for the first time in St Barths,” her family wrote. “According to her friends, they had to drag her off because she loved it so much, evidence that she was having an amazing time.”

It remains unclear whether Kern’s death will be investigated or whether an autopsy will be performed.

According to RegistryFinder.com, Haliburton and Jones are set to be wed later this summer on Aug. 1.

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