Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton’s fiancee shared a touching tribute on Wednesday honoring her best friend who unexpectedly died during her lavish St. Barts bachelorette trip.
Makenzi Kern died of undisclosed health complications on June 8 – just two days after celebrating her 26th birthday during the Caribbean trip with Haliburton’s bride-to-be, Jade Jones.
Jones posted a lengthy tribute on Instagram recounting some of her favorite moments with Kern over the years – ranging from “Hannah Montana” dance sessions to countless summers boating.
“I am forever grateful that I got to love someone as truly special as Kenzi, and to have been loved back by her. 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 wrote.
“You are truly so beautiful inside and out & a once-in-a-lifetime kind of friend. Thank you for always showing up for me, for making me laugh until I cry, and for being such an unforgettable part of my life. I’ll always miss you but I know you’ll be with me, wherever I go. ‘See ya’.”
The pictures included in the post stretched back to their college days. Jones celebrated Kern as her “biggest cheerleader,” both in life and her relationship with Haliburton.
“I can’t even imagine our wedding day without her there celebrating with us. The day will not be the same without her, but I know she will show us she is there somehow,” Jones added.
Jones and Haliburton have been together for more than seven years. They are set to tie the knot on Aug. 1.
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Kern and Jones became fast friends during their time on the Iowa State cheerleading squad. They first crossed paths with Haliburton while he was a guard for the Cyclones.
Kern appeared carefree in photos taken by friends during the first leg of the bash.
Her devastated family said she died while “surrounded by her closest friends on a once in a lifetime trip to St. Barthelemy Island,” according to an online obituary.
Kern’s family does not believe foul play, drugs or alcohol contributed to her untimely death. The exact cause is still unclear.
