Tragic Loss: Friend Celebrates Tyrese Haliburton's Fiancée Before Death
WHO:
NY Post - Makenzi Kern was described as Jade Jones' "biggest cheerleader," both in life and her relationship with Tyrese Haliburton.
US Magazine - Makenzi Kern was described as Jade Jones' "biggest cheerleader" in life and her relationship with Tyrese Haliburton.
US Magazine - Tyrese Haliburton, 26, expressed his condolences on Instagram, stating, "We will always love and miss you Kenz, forever thankful for you."
US Magazine - Makenzi Kern, 26, was a friend of Jade Jones, who is the fiancée of Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton.
WHAT:
US Magazine - Kern's family stated she died while "surrounded by her closest friends on a once in a lifetime trip to St. Barthelemy Island."
NY Post - Kern's family does not believe foul play, drugs, or alcohol contributed to her untimely death.
US Magazine - Kern's family stated she died while "surrounded by her closest friends on a once in a lifetime trip to St. Barthelemy Island."
NY Post - Jade Jones shared a quote in her tribute: "I’ll always miss you but I know you’ll be with me, wherever I go. ‘See ya’."
NY Post - Makenzi Kern died of undisclosed health complications just two days after celebrating her 26th birthday during the Caribbean trip with Jade Jones.
NY Post - Jade Jones posted a lengthy tribute on Instagram, expressing her gratitude for Kern and recalling moments such as “Hannah Montana” dance sessions and summers boating.
NY Post - Jones stated, “I can’t even imagine our wedding day without her there celebrating with us. The day will not be the same without her, but I know she will show us she is there somehow.”
NY Post - Jade Jones shared a touching tribute on Wednesday honoring Makenzi Kern, describing her as a "once-in-a-lifetime friend."
US Magazine - Makenzi Kern died unexpectedly during Jade Jones' bachelorette trip.
US Magazine - Kern was celebrating Jones' upcoming wedding just days before her death.
WHERE:
US Magazine - The bachelorette trip took place in St. Barts.
WHEN:
NY Post - Jade Jones and Tyrese Haliburton are set to tie the knot on Aug. 1.
US Magazine - Makenzi Kern died on June 8.
WHY:
NY Post - The circumstances surrounding Kern’s death remain unclear.
HOW:
NY Post - Kern and Jones became fast friends during their time on the Iowa State cheerleading squad.
NY Post - Kern appeared carefree in photos taken by friends during the first leg of the bachelorette trip.
US Magazine - Jade Jones tagged Makenzi Kern in photos from the vacation prior to her death.
(UPDATED June 18, 2026 16:09 UTC)
Makenzi Kern, described as Jade Jones' "biggest cheerleader," has tragically passed away while on a special trip to St. Barthelemy Island, surrounded by her closest friends. Kern's family has stated they do not believe foul play, drugs, or alcohol played a role in her untimely death. She and Jones formed a strong friendship during their time on the Iowa State cheerleading squad.
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(UPDATED June 18, 2026 14:03 UTC)
Makenzi Kern, described as Jade Jones' "biggest cheerleader," has passed away while enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime trip to St. Barthelemy Island, surrounded by her closest friends. Tyrese Haliburton, 26, shared his condolences on Instagram, expressing, "We will always love and miss you Kenz, forever thankful for you." In a heartfelt tribute, Jade Jones shared a poignant quote, saying, "I’ll always miss you but I know you’ll be with me, wherever I go. ‘See ya’."
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(UPDATED June 18, 2026 06:39 UTC)
Makenzi Kern has tragically passed away from undisclosed health complications just two days after her 26th birthday, which she celebrated during a Caribbean trip with Jade Jones. In a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, Jones shared cherished memories of their time together, including “Hannah Montana” dance sessions and summers spent boating, expressing her deep sorrow over Kern's absence on her upcoming wedding day. Jones is set to marry Tyrese Haliburton on August 1, and she reflected on the bittersweet nature of that day, saying, “I can’t even imagine our wedding day without her there celebrating with us.”
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(UPDATED June 18, 2026 01:48 UTC)
Jade Jones recently shared a heartfelt tribute honoring Makenzi Kern, calling her a "once-in-a-lifetime friend." The tribute was posted on Wednesday and has resonated with many who knew Makenzi. Jones's words reflect the deep bond they shared and the impact Makenzi had on those around her.
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(UPDATED June 17, 2026 21:43 UTC)
Makenzi Kern, a 26-year-old friend of Jade Jones, tragically died unexpectedly during Jones' bachelorette trip in St. Barts, just days before her wedding. Kern was celebrating the upcoming nuptials when the unfortunate incident occurred on June 8, and the circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear. Prior to her passing, Jade Jones shared photos from their vacation, tagging Makenzi in the memories they created together.