A joyous Caribbean getaway turned tragic for Jade Jones, the fiancee of Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, after one of her close friends died suddenly.
Details of the Incident
Jones and several friends were celebrating her upcoming wedding on the island of St. Barts when Makenzi Kern, 26, passed away unexpectedly from health complications on June 8. According to TMZ, Kern had turned 26 just two days before her death, and the circumstances surrounding her passing remain unclear. Kern's family has stated they do not believe foul play, drugs, or alcohol were contributing factors.
Connection Between Jones and Kern
Jones and Kern became close friends during their time at Iowa State University, where both were members of the cheerleading team. They frequently shared photos together on Instagram. On June 6, which was Kern's birthday, Jones posted a photo from the trip with the caption, "Hopped on a flight to cloud 9." The post showed the group enjoying the beach and the Caribbean Sea.
Family's Statement
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." They described her love for the water, noting that she enjoyed boating with her father, water skiing, and trying a seabob for the first time in St. Barts. "According to her friends, they had to drag her off because she loved it so much, evidence that she was having an amazing time," the obituary read.
Public Reactions
Neither Jones nor Haliburton have publicly commented on Kern's death. However, Haliburton posted an advertisement for watch brand Movado on his Instagram account on Monday. It remains unclear if an autopsy will be performed or if authorities will investigate the death.
According to RegistryFinder.com, Haliburton and Jones are scheduled to marry on August 1 later this summer.
