By Cody “Beef” Franke, a rising golf content creator and Barstool Sports personality, has tragically passed away at the age of 31 after a sudden medical emergency while attending a wedding in the Dominican Republic.
What Happened to “Beef”
The internet is reeling after Cody “Beef” Franke, Barstool Sports’ beloved golf content creator and fan-favorite personality, died suddenly at just 31 while attending a friend’s wedding in the Dominican Republic.
Reports say Franke suffered a “sudden medical emergency”, but no official cause has been released yet. His colleagues at Barstool called the loss “absolutely crushing,” and fans across the world have flooded social media with tributes and disbelief.
“He was the most genuine guy you’d ever meet, if Beef met 1,000 people, he’d take his hat off 1,000 times,” one friend said.
Who He Was
Before the world knew him as Barstool’s “Beef,” Cody Franke was already a respected name in golf circles. A PGA professional and Head Golf Pro at Thornberry Creek at Oneida (Wisconsin), he turned his love for the game into viral, down-to-earth content that resonated with every kind of golfer, from seasoned pros to casual Sunday players.
His “swing tip” videos, full of humor and humility, caught fire on social media and led to him joining Barstool’s Fore Play golf team earlier this year. It was a dream move for a man whose rise felt unstoppable.
“He was pure light in a room full of noise,” one Barstool colleague wrote. “He was just getting started.”
The Mystery Everyone’s Asking About
So far, no official cause of death has been disclosed.
Authorities confirmed only that Franke experienced a medical emergency while abroad.
He was reportedly in the Dominican Republic celebrating a wedding when tragedy struck. The suddenness of his passing has left fans asking: How could a healthy, athletic 31-year-old just… go like that?
Barstool founder Dave Portnoy and others from the golf world have posted heartfelt tributes online, calling him “the definition of a good soul.”
Internet Reaction
Within hours, social media was flooded with tributes and disbelief.
Some of the top fan comments read:
- “The golf world just lost its purest heart.”
- “He made golf fun again.”
- “Rest easy, Beef — the tee times in heaven just got louder.”
Clips of his most loved swing tips and one-liners are now circulating across X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram — turning his legacy into a living digital memorial.
Why This Story Hurts So Much
Cody’s journey was every creator’s dream:
A passion turned into a purpose.
A hobby turned into a full-time career.
A personality that connected with everyone — without filters.
He wasn’t trying to go viral. He was real. And that’s what made him special.
Now, fans and fellow golfers are piecing together memories of a man whose light went out far too soon.
“The golf course feels quieter today,” wrote one follower.
“Beef’s laugh used to echo louder than any drive.”
The Legacy Lives On
Though the world lost “Beef” far too early, his story is a reminder of what authenticity can build — a legacy of laughter, kindness, and community that no leaderboard can measure.
Rest in peace, Cody “Beef” Franke.
You swung hard, smiled wide, and left the world better than you found it.
