Barstool mourns golf influencer Cody “Beef” Franke, dead at 31 during wedding trip

The Barstool Sports community is reeling from the sudden death of Cody “Beef” Franke, a beloved golf content creator and rising personality on the platform’s Fore Play podcast. Franke, aged 31, reportedly passed away from a sudden medical issue while attending a wedding in the Dominican Republic, according to multiple social media tributes posted on October 27, 2025.

Barstool Sports confirmed the news with a solemn memorial post featuring Franke’s image, which quickly amassed over 45,000 views and hundreds of condolences within hours. Fans and fellow creators flooded the comments with tributes, remembering his trademark humor, easygoing nature, and infectious love for golf.

Franke joined the Fore Play crew in late 2024, becoming an instant fan favorite for his relatable personality and everyman approach to the game. His ability to bridge professional insight with casual fun helped broaden Barstool’s golf audience beyond traditional fans.

Barstool founder Dave Portnoy led the tributes, describing Franke as “one of the good ones — pure energy, pure heart, and a gift to everyone around him.” The Fore Play team also released a joint statement expressing heartbreak over the loss of a teammate they called “a brother, not just a coworker.”

While no further medical details have been released, several online posts reference that Franke appeared in good health prior to the trip, deepening the sense of shock surrounding his passing. Fans from across the sports media space — from PGA pros to podcast listeners — have shared memories of his laughter-filled banter and inspiring journey from casual golfer to content star.

Tributes continue to pour in across platforms, with one viral comment reading, “Beef made golf fun for regular people — that’s a legacy no stats can measure.”

Franke’s death marks yet another emotional moment for the Barstool community, which has long prided itself on turning personalities into family. His voice, humor, and authenticity leave behind a void that fans say will be “impossible to replace.”