Tyrese Haliburton’s fiancée Jade Jones breaks silence after friend’s death at bachelorette party
Jade Jones, fiancée of Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, has publicly addressed the death of her longtime friend Makenzi Kern, who died unexpectedly from health complications on June 8 during Jones’ bachelorette trip in St. Barts. Kern, 26, was a former Iowa State cheerleader and close friend o
By Lachit Roy
Jade Jones, fiancée of Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, has publicly addressed the death of her longtime friend Makenzi Kern, who died unexpectedly from health complications on June 8 during Jones’ bachelorette trip in St.
Barts.
Kern, 26, was a former Iowa State cheerleader and close friend of Jones.
The two shared years of friendship dating back to their time at Iowa State.
Jones and Haliburton are scheduled to marry on Aug. 1.Tyrese Haliburton’s fiancée Jade Jones reacts to friend’s death at bachelorette partyJade Jones posted a tribute to Kern on Instagram, sharing photos spanning years of friendship and recalling memories from their time together.
The two first became close as members of the Iowa State cheerleading squad, where Jones also met Haliburton during his collegiate basketball career.In her message, Jones described Kern as a "light in this world," remembering her friend as someone who brought laughter and energy into every room she entered.
She highlighted moments from their friendship, including a summer spent living together and countless dance sessions to Hannah Montana songs.Jones also noted how strongly Kern supported her relationship with Haliburton throughout the couple's seven-year journey together."The wedding day just won't be the same without you," Jones wrote, adding that she believes Kern will still find a way to be present in spirit.She concluded her tribute by thanking Kern for years of friendship, laughter, and unwavering support, calling her a "once-in-a-lifetime kind of friend."Makenzi Kern’s friendship shaped Jade Jones’ wedding journeyKern's presence was woven throughout many of the celebrations leading up to the wedding.Photos from Jones' bridal shower in Chicago earlier this year showed Kern celebrating alongside members of the bridal party.
Additional images shared from the St.
Barts trip captured her smiling with friends by the pool, aboard boats, and during group celebrations organized around the theme "Hali Ever After," a reference to Haliburton's surname.According to family members, Kern died from health complications while surrounded by close friends.
Relatives have stated they do not suspect foul play, drugs, or alcohol contributed to her death.An obituary described Kern as a person who "could brighten everyone's spirits when she was around." The Iowa native graduated from Iowa State University in 2022 with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies and was working as a YMCA membership director in Omaha.Her family also recalled her enthusiasm during the St.
Barts trip, noting she eagerly embraced every experience and spent her final days enjoying time with friends.Jones and Haliburton now face a difficult transition as their Aug. 1 wedding approaches.
The celebration remains on the calendar, but it will unfold without one of the bride's closest friends.
Jones' tribute made clear that Kern's absence will be impossible to ignore, even as the couple moves forward with one of the biggest days of their lives.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates.
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