Jade Jones, the fiancee of Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, has spoken out following the unexpected death of her close friend during a bachelorette getaway to the Caribbean island of St. Barts.
Makenzi Kern, one of the partygoers celebrating Jones' upcoming wedding 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 noted that Kern's family does not believe foul play, drugs, or alcohol contributed to her death.
Jade Jones' Heartfelt Tribute
Days after Kern's passing, Jones shared a heartfelt Instagram post 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 wrote. "Kenzi was the funniest, goofiest person I've ever met."
Jones recalled how Kern brought joy to every room she entered. "She was always making me belly laugh. She had such a gift of bringing happiness to every room she was in." She shared memories of living together, attending concerts, and "dancing on countertops to Hannah Montana."
Jones also highlighted Kern's support for her relationship with Haliburton, who attended Iowa State alongside the pair. "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."
Expressing her grief over the upcoming wedding, Jones wrote: "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." She concluded, "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."
Tyrese Haliburton's Response
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.
Background on Their Friendship
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. 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, just two days before her death.
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." The obituary described Kern's love of the water and noted how much she had been enjoying the trip. "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 August 1.
