Tyrese Haliburton's Fiancée's Friend Dies on St. Barts Bachelorette Trip
Tragedy struck a celebratory getaway to the Caribbean island of St. Barthélemy this month when Makenzi Kern, a close friend of Jade Jones, died unexpectedly during Jones's bachelorette trip. Jones is the fiancée of Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, and the group had traveled to the island to celebrate her upcoming wedding. Kern was just 26 years old and passed away only two days after her birthday.
Who Was Makenzi Kern?
According to her obituary, Kern was known for her warm and joyful spirit. She was described as a "silly and goofy soul" who "could brighten everyone's spirits when she was around." Friends and family remembered her as the kind of person who brought energy and laughter into any room.
Kern and Jones first bonded as cheerleaders at Iowa State University, where they became close friends. Iowa State is also where Jones met Haliburton, who was a standout for the Cyclones before being selected in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft. The two had maintained their friendship ever since, and Kern was part of the inner circle invited on the bachelorette trip.
What Happened on June 8
Sources familiar with the situation confirmed that Kern passed away on June 8, 2026. Her family stated they do not suspect foul play, drugs, or alcohol contributed to her death. The cause was described as unexpected health complications, though full details have not been publicly released.
Per her obituary, Kern was "surrounded by her closest friends on a once in a lifetime trip to St. Barthelemy Island" when she died. The group had been celebrating Jones's upcoming nuptials, and the tragedy occurred just as the trip was winding down and the group was expected to return to the United States.
The Bachelorette Getaway
Before news of the tragedy broke, Jones had shared photos from St. Barts on social media, captioning one post: "hopped on a flight to cloud 9." Photos showed Kern included in several group shots, with the friends clearly enjoying their time together ahead of what should have been a milestone celebration.
St. Barthélemy, commonly known as St. Barts, is a prized destination in the Caribbean, known for its luxury resorts, white-sand beaches, and exclusivity. It is a popular choice for celebrity bachelorette trips and high-profile celebrations.
No Public Comment from Haliburton or Jones
As of this writing, Tyrese Haliburton, Jade Jones, and the rest of the wedding party have not publicly commented on Kern's passing. The family has reportedly been left distraught by the loss.
Haliburton plays for the Indiana Pacers and had a notable 2025-26 NBA season. He and Jones had been engaged and actively planning their wedding when the tragic news emerged.
An Outpouring of Grief
News of Kern's death resonated widely, with many expressing their condolences online. Her friends had gathered in St. Barts to celebrate one of the most joyful events in Jones's life, making the loss all the more devastating for everyone involved.
Kern's obituary painted a picture of someone who lived with joy and purpose. The words written in her memory reflect a young woman who was deeply loved. Her passing at 26 is a reminder that life can change without warning, and that the bonds formed in college and early adulthood can carry profound meaning for years to come.
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