Tyrese Haliburton’s fiancée is mourning the heartbreaking loss of one of her closest friends after a luxury bachelorette getaway ended in tragedy.
Jade Jones shared an emotional tribute this week to Makenzi Kern, who died unexpectedly at age 26 while celebrating alongside friends in St. Barts.
As loved ones continue to grieve, questions surrounding Kern’s sudden death have fueled widespread speculation online, even as those close to the situation insist there is no indication of foul play or substance involvement.
Jones broke her silence on Wednesday night with an emotional Instagram post honoring her longtime friend following her sudden death.
Sharing a collection of photos from their years of friendship, she reflected on the bond they shared and the impact Kern had on those around her.
“I am forever grateful that I got to love someone as truly special as Kenzi, and to have been loved back by her,” Jones wrote.
She continued, “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.”
Jones also described Kern as “a once-in-a-lifetime kind of friend” and thanked her for years of support, laughter, and memories.
“I’ll always miss you but I know you’ll be with me, wherever I go. ‘See ya,’” she added. Among those responding was Tyrese Haliburton himself, who simply commented, “I love you.”
Tyrese Haliburton’s Fiancée’s Friend Died During St. Barts Celebration
According to an online obituary, Kern died on June 8, just two days after celebrating her 26th birthday.
The obituary noted that she passed away while “surrounded by her closest friends on a once in a lifetime trip to St. Barthelemy Island.”
Images shared by Jones on social media shortly before the tragedy showed the group enjoying the tropical destination, spending time by the pool and relaxing on the beach during the bachelorette festivities.
A source familiar with the situation later revealed that Kern died unexpectedly due to health complications.
According to the insider, her family does not suspect foul play and does not believe drugs or alcohol played any role in her death.
Kern is survived by her parents, stepparents, sister, step-siblings, grandparents, and boyfriend.
Tyrese Haliburton’s Friend’s Death Sparks Online Speculation
Since the news of Kern’s death made it to the headlines, numerous theories have quickly surfaced online about what may have caused her sudden passing.
One woman claiming to know the family wrote on social media that the 26-year-old suffered a sudden heart attack.
Others went further, with some attempting to connect her death to COVID-19 vaccinations despite no evidence supporting those claims.“Sounds sudden and vaxxy,” one X user posted per the Daily Mail.
Laura Miers, a vocal critic of COVID vaccines, also weighed in online, writing that “the New Normal really blows.” “We will be witnessing record premature death for the rest of our natural lives,” she added.
Despite the speculation, there has been no evidence linking Kern’s death to any COVID vaccine.
Those close to the situation have instead emphasized that she died unexpectedly from health complications.
Haliburton’s Fiancée Shared A Special Bond With Kern
The friendship between Jones and Kern stretched back years before the tragic trip.
Like Jones and Tyrese Haliburton, the deceased attended Iowa State University, where she and Jones were teammates on the school’s cheerleading squad.
Friends knew her affectionately as “Kenz.” After college, Kern built a career in Nebraska, where she worked as a membership director for a local YMCA branch.
Her connection to the NBA player’s fiancée remained strong throughout the years, making her sudden passing especially devastating for the bride-to-be.
Similarly, Jones and Haliburton have also built a long-term relationship of their own. The couple have been together for more than seven years, dating back to his days as a standout guard at Iowa State.
Their relationship continued as Haliburton’s basketball career rapidly expanded onto the national stage.
Haliburton Has Faced Challenges Away From The Tragedy
While supporting his partner through the loss of her friend, Tyrese Haliburton has also endured a difficult stretch professionally.
The 26-year-old was selected by the Sacramento Kings in the 2020 NBA Draft before eventually joining the Indiana Pacers.
He later helped lead Indiana to the 2025 NBA Finals, marking one of the biggest achievements of his career.
However, the Finals ended on a painful note. Haliburton suffered a devastating Achilles injury during Indiana’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, an injury severe enough to sideline him for the entire 2025-26 season.
