Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton he broke the peace following the death of his fiancee Jade Jones‘ a friend Don’t do Kern during a recent bachelorette party.
“We will always love and miss you Kenz,” Haliburton, 26, wrote on her Instagram Story on Wednesday, June 17. “Forever grateful for you.”
The athlete wrote his message of remembrance over a photo of Kern and Jones hugging.
On Tuesday, June 16, it was reported that Kern died suddenly at the age of 26 while attending a bachelorette party hosted by Jones, 28, in St. Barts earlier this month. Kern reportedly died of “health complications” although his family did not suspect that drugs, alcohol or gambling were factors, according to TMZ. (The official cause of death has not been released.)
Kern shared many highlights of the bachelorette trip via social media before her death. The public obituary described Kern as someone who “lived life to the fullest” and was “no-nonsense, silly and fun for everyone.”
“Makenzi Nichole Kern, known as ‘Kenz’, age 26, passed away suddenly from complications on June 8, 2026 two days after her 26th birthday, June 6, 2000,” the obituary read. “He was surrounded by his closest friends on his once-in-a-lifetime trip to St. Barthelemy Island.”
Jones and Kern became friends as cheerleaders at Iowa State University, where Haliburton also played basketball from 2018 to 2020.
On Wednesday, Jones spoke for the first time about Kern’s death, paying tribute to “the funniest, meanest person I’ve ever met.”
“He always teased me about my stomach,” Jones wrote on Instagram. “He had the gift of bringing joy to every room he was in.”
Jones recalled how Kern “loved and supported Tirese and I through every chapter.”
“He was our main singer and he always showed me the biggest moment in my life,” reflected Jones. “I can’t even imagine our wedding day without her celebrating with us. The day won’t be the same without her, but I know she’ll show us that she’s there in some way. She’s been there for all of our moments since the day I met Tyrese. But Kenz will always be in my memories, my laugh, my stories, and the person I am because of her. I’ll never stop laughing together.”
Tyrese Haliburton and Jade Jones are ready to take the next big step in their relationship: they’re engaged! Haliburton, 25, and Jones met as college students at Iowa State University, so it only made sense that the Indiana Pacers star planned a proposal at the school. Despite the season-ending injury he suffered in the Game […]
Jones closed his memorial by admitting that he will be “forever grateful” for being such a “special” friend.
“Kenz was truly a light in this world, and that light will continue to shine for everyone who was lucky enough to know her,” he concluded. “I love you forever and ever Kenzi. You are truly beautiful inside and out and the kind of best friend ever. Thank you for always showing me up, for making me laugh until I cry, and for being a part of my life that I will never forget. I will always miss you but I know you will be with me, wherever I go. ‘See you.'”
Haliburton responded in the comments section, writing to Jones, “I love you.”
