Jade Jones, the fiancée of Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, honoring her best friend Makenzi Kern, who died unexpectedly on June 8 during Jones' bachelorette trip in St. Barts.
According to Jones' Instagram post, Kern died of undisclosed health complications. The post included photos of the two together and a caption expressing deep sorrow. Jones wrote, 'My heart is shattered into a million pieces. I will never understand why this happened.'
Kern, a close friend of Jones, was part of the bachelorette party celebrating Jones' upcoming wedding to Haliburton. The trip, described as lavish, was cut short following the incident. No further details about the cause of death have been released by authorities or family.
Tyrese Haliburton, who was not on the trip, has not publicly commented. The Pacers organization has not issued a statement. Jones has requested privacy during this difficult time.
