Barstool Sports is mourning one of its own. Cody "Beef" Franke, a rising Barstool personality and PGA golf pro, died unexpectedly over the weekend following what's being described as a sudden medical episode. He was just 31.
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Barstool confirmed the news Monday, sparking an outpouring of emotion from fans and coworkers alike.
Company founder Dave Portnoy called it "tragic news," writing on X, "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."
Barstool lost a member of our family this weekend. Just tragic news. 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 https://t.co/k88o2tnzJB
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) October 27, 2025
Longtime Barstool host Dan 'Big Cat' Katz opened Monday's episode of The Yak by sharing that Franke had been in the Dominican Republic for a wedding when he suffered the medical emergency.
"Really, really sad. Really tragic," Katz said.
The loss of Beef is absolutely devastating
He will be remembered as one of the greatest people to ever be around pic.twitter.com/lWRWiIb9TL
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 27, 2025
Franke joined Barstool earlier this year as part of the popular Fore Play golf crew. A former PGA of America professional, he built a loyal following for his lighthearted golf instruction videos and his easygoing, upbeat personality — one that quickly made him a fan favorite inside the Barstool community.
His final post came just last week, sharing another quick tip from the course.
Tributes have continued to pour in across social media from fans, colleagues, and fellow golfers.
At just 31, Franke's passing leaves a deep void in a company built on personality and connection, and one that clearly considered "Beef" family.
