Jade Jones, the fiancée of Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, marked the first public day since the death of her close friend, Makenzi Kern, who died on June 8 during Jones’ bachelorette trip in St. Bart’s amid unexpected health complications.
Jade Jones learned she would not be sharing the rest of her trip with Makenzi Kern—then watched the quiet shock spread through the friendships that had been making plans just days earlier.
Kern died on June 8 in St. Bart’s during Jones’ bachelorette trip, according to Kern’s obituary. Her family said Kern had celebrated her 26th birthday just two days before her death during what they described as a “once in a lifetime trip” with friends.
Family members said Kern was surrounded by close friends when she died, and described her passing as sudden and unexpected. Officials and loved ones have not publicly confirmed a cause of death beyond the reported medical complications.
Jones breaks her silence, sharing photos of their friendship
On June 17, Jones spoke publicly for the first time through an Instagram post honoring Kern and sharing photos that traced their bond through different stages of life.
Jones said their friendship started in college after what she described as a “hilarious hair pulling fight. ” a moment that eventually grew into a deep and lasting connection. In her tribute. she called Kern “the funniest. goofiest person I’ve ever met. ” describing a rare gift for bringing laughter into every room and making ordinary moments feel special.
The post included memories of summers spent together. inside jokes. spontaneous outings. and everyday moments—details that made the relationship feel close even in a time of grief. Jones also said Kern was among her strongest supporters. describing her as “the biggest cheerleader” who showed up for major life moments in her relationship with Tyrese Haliburton.
What Kern’s life looked like before St. Bart’s
Kern grew up in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She graduated from Iowa State University in 2022 with a degree in human development and family studies. She was a former Iowa State cheerleader, and later worked at the YMCA of Greater Omaha in youth and membership roles, as described in her obituary.
For Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers legacy remains intertwined with support
The emotional posts also tied back to Tyrese Haliburton’s reflections on the Pacers legacy and the support he says he has received, including recognition of Reggie Miller’s role and Haliburton’s dream to define the franchise’s legacy.
Kern’s obituary leaves families. friends. and the people following the Pacers star’s world with the same painful question: how a trip that started with a 26th birthday ended with sudden loss. and why the specifics of what happened have not been confirmed publicly beyond reported medical complications.
Jade Jones Tyrese Haliburton Indiana Pacers Makenzi Kern St. Bart’s bachelorette trip obituary Council Bluffs Iowa State University YMCA of Greater Omaha