Friend of NBA star's fiancée dies on St. Barts bachelorette

A bachelorette trip to the Caribbean for Jade Jones, fiancée of Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, ended in tragedy on June 8 when her close friend, Makenzi Kern, died suddenly at age 26. The group was on the island of St. Barthelemy celebrating Jones's upcoming wedding when Kern suffered unexpected health complications just two days after celebrating her own birthday.

According to sources familiar with the situation, Kern died from medical complications. Her family has stated they do not suspect foul play, alcohol, or substance abuse contributed to her death. Kern's official obituary noted she was surrounded by her closest friends on a "once in a lifetime trip" when the medical emergency occurred.

Kern, affectionately known as "Kenz," was a 2022 graduate of Iowa State University, where she earned a degree in Human Development and Family Studies. She worked as the Membership Director at the Armbrust branch of the YMCA of Greater Omaha. Friends and family remembered her as a vibrant, positive presence. Her obituary described her as a "silly and goofy soul" who could brighten any room. She was an avid water skier and loved boating with her father.