How did Cody Beef Franke die? Inside the tragic end of the Barstool Sports star

Cody "Beef" Franke, who quickly became a fan favorite on Barstool Sports' Fore Play golf podcast, has passed away at 31 after what has been called a "sudden medical event." Barstool Sports confirmed the tragic news earlier this week, and fans and colleagues were crushed.

His personality, humor, and love for golf were infectious, and in no time, Franke had developed a quick following all over the Barstool universe, and even outside of it.

Cody Franke’s final days and what reportedly happened

Based on several reports, Cody Franke experienced a medical emergency while in the Dominican Republic attending a wedding. Barstool Sports reported, while not disclosing a specific cause of death, that he died from a sudden health issue over the weekend, calling the incident unexpected and sudden.

Franke, who was a former PGA professional, had come on board with Barstool Sports earlier in 2025 to serve as the Lead Golf Pro for the company's golf wing. With instructional videos, swing tips and relatable golf content, he developed a reputation for being not only a great golfer but an accessible one at that. His genuine personality and positive nature made him one of the more prominent figures in golf content.Colleagues said he was always kind, on and off the course. Perhaps the most famous piece of body language he used was taking his hat off as a gesture of respect, which had become a trademark of his person and a way of symbolizing the kindness that characterized him.

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Tributes pour in for Cody Franke’s lasting impact

Following the devastating announcement, tributes poured in from across the sports and media landscape. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy expressed his grief, writing that “you will never find a nicer or more genuine person than Beef,” calling it a cruel reminder that tomorrow is never promised.Franke, a "lover of the game of golf" who enjoyed helping others appreciate the game, was also remembered in a heartfelt statement released by the Fore Play team. His love of the game was contagious, they wrote, and “to him, seeing golf make people happy, made him happy.”Everyone with a story about meeting Franke has regaled their social media followers with the details of exactly how personable, reachable, and kind he was when met in every instance. For years, he had been the hard-working, humble and appropriately described the nicest guy in golf media.