NBA star Tyrese Haliburton and his fiancée Jade Jones are navigating a devastating loss just weeks before their upcoming wedding. What was meant to be a joyful pre-wedding celebration turned into a tragedy when a close friend of the bride-to-be passed away unexpectedly during the bachelorette party in St. Barts. Here is everything we know about the incident, and a look at the beautiful love story behind Tyrese Haliburton and Jade Jones.
Who Is Jade Jones? The Woman Behind Tyrese Haliburton’s Love Story
Jade Jones, born in January 1998 and raised in Iowa, has been a constant source of support and strength for Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton. The two first crossed paths at Iowa State University in April 2019, where Haliburton played basketball for the Cyclones and Jones was a proud member of the cheerleading squad. Their college romance quietly blossomed into one of the NBA’s most beloved and enduring relationships.
Jones later pursued a career in education, working as an elementary school teacher, and has always maintained a grounded and warm presence both on and off social media. Over the years, she has been Haliburton’s “biggest cheerleader” — on and off the court.
Tyrese Haliburton and Jade Jones: A Six-Year Relationship Timeline
The couple marked six years together in April 2025. On their anniversary, Jones wrote: “6 whole years of loving you. Every single day you continue to amaze me.” Haliburton replied: “6 years damn, my ride or die always!”
Their bond was tested when Haliburton suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder — a devastating injury that is expected to sideline him for the entire 2025–2026 NBA season. Despite the heartbreak of losing the title and facing a long road to recovery, Jones stood firmly by his side.
In an emotional Instagram post following the Pacers’ loss, Jones wrote: “What a year!!! What a bittersweet ending to it all. You have been nothing short of amazing. You are so selfless, brave, and strong! I will always be your biggest cheerleader.”
The Proposal: A Full-Circle Moment at Iowa State
On July 28, 2025 — just one month after his Achilles injury — Tyrese Haliburton got down on one knee, cast and all, inside Hilton Coliseum at Iowa State University, the very arena where he played for the Cyclones and where their love story first began. The setup was magical: rose petals on the court, candles glowing, and large illuminated letters spelling out “Will You Marry Me?”
Haliburton posted on Instagram: “The place where our story started, and where our next chapter begins.” Jones responded with pure joy, captioning her response as “Future Mrs. What the Hali.” The proposal drew an outpouring of congratulations from the basketball world, including WNBA star Caitlin Clark and Pacers teammate Myles Turner.
Jade Jones’ Bachelorette Party in St. Barts: A Dream Trip Turns to Tragedy
Earlier in June 2026, Jade Jones hosted her bachelorette party on the stunning Caribbean island of St. Barthélemy (St. Barts) — a dreamy destination getaway with her closest friends in preparation for her upcoming wedding. Jones had shared photos from the trip on Instagram, captioning it “hopped on a flight to cloud 9,” with friends smiling and celebrating together.
But the joyful trip took a devastating turn.
Makenzi Kern: The Friend Who Passed Away
One of Jones’ closest friends and former Iowa State cheerleading teammates, 26-year-old Makenzi Kern, passed away unexpectedly on June 8, 2026, around the time the group was scheduled to return to the United States — and just two days after her birthday.
According to TMZ Sports, which first broke the story, Kern died from health complications. Her family has confirmed they do not suspect foul play, drugs, or alcohol contributed to her death. The exact cause remains unclear at this time.
Kern’s obituary described her as someone who “could brighten everyone’s spirits when she was around” — a silly, goofy soul filled with light and laughter. It noted she was “surrounded by her closest friends on a once in a lifetime trip to St. Barthelemy Island” when she passed. Kern had also been working for the Greater YMCA of Omaha at the time of her death.
Kern and Jones had been friends since their time together on the Iowa State University cheerleading squad and had remained close in the years since graduation.
The Impact on Jade Jones, Tyrese Haliburton, and the Bridal Party
Following Kern’s death on June 8, Jade Jones has not posted anything on social media. Tyrese Haliburton and the rest of the bridal party have also not publicly commented on the loss, which is widely understood as a sign of deep grief and respect for Makenzi Kern and her family.
The family is said to be distraught by the loss, and the entire situation has cast a long shadow over what was meant to be one of the happiest seasons of Jones and Haliburton’s lives.
Tyrese Haliburton: NBA Star Facing Personal and Professional Challenges
This heartbreaking news comes during what has already been an emotionally difficult stretch for the 26-year-old Indiana Pacers guard. After suffering his Achilles injury in the NBA Finals, Haliburton is expected to miss the entirety of the upcoming 2025–2026 season. Despite these setbacks, Haliburton has shown remarkable resilience — prioritizing his personal happiness and relationship even during his recovery.
A two-time NBA All-Star and two-time All-NBA Team selection, Haliburton led the league in assists during the 2024 season and won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He was one of the most exciting young players in basketball before his injury.
Remembering Makenzi Kern
Makenzi Kern was 26 years old — a young woman full of life, loved deeply by those around her. Her passing on what was supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime celebration serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly joy can turn to grief. Her family, friends, and the entire Iowa State community are mourning her loss.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Makenzi Kern, to Jade Jones, Tyrese Haliburton, and to everyone in the bridal party who witnessed this tragic loss firsthand.
If you have any thoughts or condolences for Jade Jones, Tyrese Haliburton, and the Kern family, share them in the comments below — and follow us for the latest updates on this developing story.