Memorial Service for Makenzi Kern Held Following Bachelorette Party Tragedy
The life of former Iowa State cheerleader Makenzi Kern was commemorated by a circle of friends over the weekend, weeks after her unexpected passing during a bachelorette party for Jade Jones, fiancée of NBA star Tyrese Haliburton.
“This past weekend was dedicated to honoring Kenz and the wonderful person she was,” shared Kern’s friend, Heath Methlie, through Instagram on Tuesday, June 30. “Being surrounded by the people who meant the most to her and witnessing their love for her was truly uplifting. It was unforgettable to see everyone come together from across the nation to support one another and mourn the loss of such a radiant spirit.”
A large gathering of Kern’s friends, including Jones, released fireworks and shared memories of Kern during the memorial. The group also visited Glory Days, a bar located in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Kern and Jones became friends as cheerleaders at Iowa State University, where Haliburton, 26, also played basketball.
“Kenz was selfless, always present for others, exuding warmth, laughter, and the most positive energy wherever she went,” Methlie wrote. “She was truly one of a kind, someone everyone recognized as special. Now we strive to live bigger and love deeper in her honor 🤍.”
Jones, 28, responded to the post, saying, “So beautiful Heath! Love you so much ❤️.”
Kern passed away on June 8 after experiencing unforeseen “health complications” while on Jones’ bachelorette trip in St. Barts. She was 26. The official cause of death has not been publicly disclosed as of this publication.
According to TMZ, her family does not suspect foul play and believes that drugs or alcohol were not factors in her death.
Jones expressed her grief over Kern’s passing with a heartfelt social media post on June 17.
“Kenzi was the funniest and goofiest person I’ve ever known,” Jones wrote on Instagram. “She always had a way of making me laugh out loud. Her ability to bring joy to every space she entered was a true gift. Some of my cherished memories with Kenzi are the simple ones — spending a summer in her city, leaving our mark on the capital district, running around our cars at stoplights, cheering by the bandshell, obsessing over The Office, dancing on countertops to Hannah Montana, and watching her light up whenever she got the chance to be on a boat.”
She added, “She loved and supported Tyrese and me throughout every stage. She was our biggest supporter and was there for me during every significant moment of my life. I can’t fathom our wedding day without her by our side, celebrating with us. That day will be different without her, but I believe she will find a way to be present. Kenz has been part of all our moments since the day I met Tyrese. She will forever live on in my memories, my laughter, my stories, and in who I am because of her. I will always cherish our memories together.”
