TYRESE HALIBURTON'S FIANCÉE PAYS TRIBUTE AFTER FRIEND DIES AT BACHELORETTE TRIP

Jade Jones, fiancée of NBA player Tyrese Haliburton, has broken her silence following the death of her close friend Makenzi Kern. Kern, aged 26, died during a bachelorette getaway in St. Barts on 8 June. Jones posted an emotional tribute on Instagram honouring their friendship. According to Kern's obituary, she died from health complications, with her family and law enforcement ruling out foul play, drugs or alcohol.

Kern passed away merely two days after celebrating her 26th birthday on 6 June during the same trip with friends. Jones and Kern's friendship began during their college years at Iowa State, where Kern was a cheerleader whilst Haliburton played for the Cyclones. The two women had maintained their close bond throughout Jones and Haliburton's relationship. Haliburton was preparing for his wedding scheduled for 1 August whilst also recovering from a ruptured Achilles injury.

In her Instagram post, Jones described Kern as "the funniest, goofiest person" she had met, noting her ability to bring happiness to every room. Jones acknowledged that Kern had supported both her and Haliburton through every chapter of their relationship. The loss comes two months before Jones's planned wedding day, with Kern's absence expected to define the occasion for the couple.