What was supposed to be a dream getaway turned into heartbreak when Jade Jones’bachelorette celebration in St. Barts took an unexpected and devastating turn. Makenzi Kern, 26, passed away on June 8 during the trip—just two days after her birthday and while the group was preparing to return home.
Kern and Jones had a long history together, having been teammates on the Iowa State cheerleading squad before staying close over the years. The trip itself seemed picture-perfect in the moments before the tragedy, with Jones sharing photos from the island with the caption“hopped on a flight to cloud 9”as the group prepared to celebrate her upcoming wedding to NBA player Tyrese Haliburton.
According to reports, Kern died unexpectedly from health complications. Her family has ruled out foul play, drugs, or alcohol as contributing factors. An obituary remembered her warmth and energy, describing how she could“brighten everyone’s spirits when she was around”with her silly, goofy personality. She was, by all accounts, exactly the kind of friend you’d want by your side on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
The loss has left Kern’s family distraught, and neither Jones nor Haliburton—who met at Iowa State before his 2020 NBA entry—have publicly commented on the tragedy. What should have been a joyful milestone for the bride-to-be has instead become a moment of grief shared with the people closest to her. The bridal party and everyone involved are processing an unimaginable loss.
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
