Friend Of Tyrese Haliburton's Fiancee Dies During Bachelorette Party
Tragedy struck the bachelorette party of Tyrese Haliburton's fiancee, Jade Jones, earlier this summer.
Makenzi Kern, 26, died suddenly during the bachelorette party, which featured several close friends and family members of the soon-to-be wife of the Indiana Pacers star point guard.
TMZ Sports confirmed the tragic news on Monday evening, June 16. The bachelorette party was hosted in St. Barts earlier this month, when tragedy struck. Kern is believed to have died from a sudden medical issue and the family does not expect that foul play, drugs or alcohol contributed to her passing.
Kern died two days after her 26th birthday, according to her obituary. She attended Iowa State University.
"To know Makenzi was to love her. She lived life to the fullest; she was silly, goofy and could brighten everyone's spirits when she was around. She grew up in Council Bluffs Iowa and graduated from Lewis Central High School in 2018. She went on to earn her bachelor's degree in 2022 in Human Development and Family Studies from Iowa State University where she cheered for the Cyclones. During her time at ISU, she deepened her friendships there that she maintained way beyond her days at ISU," her obituary reads.
Kern's family releases complete obituary
Her family released her complete obituary online.
"After college, she started her career at the YMCA of Greater Omaha. Initially, as a Youth and Family Director and then later as Membership Director for Armbrust Branch. Kenz was dedicated to her job, her friends and her beloved pets; especially her cat Dusty. She never wanting to let anyone down or upset them. So much so even as a child she would let all of the kids on the playground go down the slide first saying "you go first, I'll get a turn later."
"She loved the water. She talked her mom into going to the pool to go swimming in the middle of a rain storm during their trip to Disneyworld. She was a mama's girl those early years and could talk her into just about anything. She loved boating with her dad, water skiing, and got to try out a seabob for the first time in St Barths. According to her friends, they had to drag her off because she loved it so much, evidence that she was having an amazing time.
"Kenz had a special relationship with her sister, Delani. Most recently they moved in together. You may have heard them fighting constantly but anyone who knows them also knows that they would have fought to death for each other if anyone tried to mess with the other one.
"Kenzi never wanted to be an inconvenience. She'd be upset with all of us for putting up a fuss about her in this way or making her the center of attention. She liked to fly under the radar, just crack a joke or sarcastic comment and makes everyone laugh. One might say that she got her sarcasm from her father. Even though she never wanted to be the center of attention, people gravitated to her. She had a way of making everyone she met a friend. Which is why she has so many long lasting relationships.
"She is survived by her mother, Teri Dietchler (David Dietchler); father, Chris Kern (Lona Smart); sister, Delani Kern (Chase Ahlers); boyfriend, Alan Dungan; step siblings, Kyleigh (Desmond) Austin and Alex Smart; grandparents, Meerl and Karen Bever, Bonnie Waters and Chuck Kern.
"She was loved deeply by too many extended family and friends to mention everyone.
"Celebration of Life Services are pending."
May she rest in peace.
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This story was originally published June 16, 2026 at 10:43 AM.