Popular Barstool Sports personality Cody “Beef” Franke has died aged 31, his colleagues have shared.
Franke, known for his videos sharing golf swing tips, suffered a “sudden medical issue,” according to a tweet shared by Barstool’s Fore Play podcast. He was attending a wedding in the Dominican Republic, colleague Dan “Big Cat” Katz said Monday morning.
“Really, really, really sad. Really tragic,” Katz said. “It’s devastating. I don’t know what else to say.”
A cause of death wasn’t immediately known.
Barstool founder Dave Portnoy posted a tribute to Franke on X, also calling the news “tragic.”
“You will never find a nicer more genuine person than Beef. It’s hard to even process it right now. Just another cruel reminder that tomorrow is never promised and to live each day to its fullest. #Ripbeef.”
Franke joined Barstool earlier this year after a career as a professional golfer. He spent eight years as a member of the Professionals Golfers Association of America, where he was a two-time PGA Section award winner. Franke then became the Head Golf Professional on Barstool’s the Fore Play podcast, which shared a statement after announcing the news of his death.
“Cody truly loved the game of golf. He selflessly spent much of his life helping others improve and enjoy the game,” the statement read in part.
“Watching golf bring people happiness brought him happiness, and that infectious personality was felt by everyone who met him. He was universally known as the nicest guy in the world.
“Rest in peace to the classiest man we knew,” the statement concluded.
Just days before his death, Franke posted one of his signature tip videos on Instagram.
“Tip Tuesday is here!! Not every pin location is a green light! Know when to attack and when to put on the brakes,” the caption read.
That post has now become a place for fans to share their condolences, as tributes continue to pour in following news of his passing.
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The PGA Tour wrote on X: “Beef was an incredible member of the golf community. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Former PGA Tour player Colt Knost said on X: “Oh man. This one hurts. RIP Beef! A true gentleman.”
Model and golf instructor Paige Spiranac commented: “Heartbreaking news. He was such a kind and good person.”
“Horribly sad. He improved the videos and pod whenever he was on,” one fan wrote while another agreed, “So much passion. A positive force in the game.”
