A trip that was supposed to celebrate an upcoming wedding has instead been marked by tragedy.
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According to multiple reports, Makenzi Kern, a close friend of Jade Jones, the fiancée of Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, died unexpectedly while attending a bachelorette trip in St. Barts earlier this month. She was 26.
Details surrounding Kern's death have not been publicly released. However, reports indicate her family does not believe foul play, drugs or alcohol played a role.
Kern reportedly passed away on June 8 while traveling with friends on the Caribbean island.
An obituary described Kern as being surrounded by some of her closest friends during what was intended to be a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, via TMZ. It remembered her as someone who brought joy to those around her and possessed a personality capable of brightening any room.
Kern and Jones shared a longtime friendship that began during their time together on the Iowa State cheerleading squad. Jones later met Haliburton while both attended Iowa State, where the future NBA star launched his collegiate basketball career before entering the league in 2020.
Photos shared from the trip before the tragedy showed Kern celebrating alongside Jones and other members of the bridal party as they gathered ahead of Jones' upcoming wedding.
Neither Haliburton nor Jones has publicly commented on the loss.
