Barstool Sports is mourning the untimely passing of golf influencer Cody “Beef” Franke.
Franke died over the weekend from a “sudden medical issue,” the Fore Play Pod, Barstool’s golf podcast, announced in a statement Monday. He was 31.
“We are beyond devastated to announce that our good friend and cherished Barstool Sports colleague, Cody ‘Beef’ Franke, passed away from a sudden medical issue over the weekend,” the statement reads.
“From his time as a PGA professional to his time at Barstool Sports, Cody made so many people laugh, he made so many people smile, and he simply made so many people better,” Fore Play added.
We are beyond devastated to announce that our good friend and cherished Barstool Sports colleague, Cody “Beef” Franke, passed away from a sudden medical issue over the weekend. pic.twitter.com/KPua67hCJW
— Fore Play (@ForePlayPod) October 27, 2025
“Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Cody’s entire family and loved ones.”
According to Barstool’s Dan “Big Cat” Katz, via TMZ, Franke was in the Dominican Republic at a wedding when the medical incident occurred.
Franke signed on at Barstool after a stint as a PGA Tour pro and quickly earned a large following among golf fans and Fore Play Pod listeners.
Franke’s colleagues pay their respects
A number of Barstool headliners, including founder and president Dave Portnoy, took to X/Twitter to express their sorrows regarding Franke’s death.
“Barstool lost a member of our family this weekend. Just tragic news,” Portnoy wrote. “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.”
“Beef was the absolute best. So heartbreaking,” said Katz, adding that Franke was “such a sweet soul and human being, not a mean bone in his body.”
“This is absolutely heart wrenching,” added Barstool’s Kayce Smith. “Beef was one of the nicest people I’ve ever been around… not only at Barstool but in life in general. He was the guy that always made every room brighter. Rest in peace, Beef. We will miss you.”
“Tough couple of days at Barstool,” added Barstool Sales guy ‘Gaz.’ “Thoughts and prayers go out to Cody’s family and friends. By all accounts one of the nicest guys to be around no matter the time or place.”
“Watched Cody’s golf tip videos for years; very colorful personality and teacher of the game. Sad news,” chimed in ESPN’s Dan Wetzel.
