Cody “Beef” Franke, beloved Barstool Sports golf personality and former PGA professional, tragically died at 31 from a sudden medical emergency while attending a wedding in the Dominican Republic, leaving the sports world heartbroken and his colleagues and fans mourning the loss of his humor, passion, and larger-than-life spirit.

The sports community is in shock after the sudden death of Cody “Beef” Franke, a beloved former PGA of America Golf Professional and the Head Golf Pro for Barstool Sports’ popular Fore Play golf podcast.

He was just 31 years old.

According to reports, Franke passed away unexpectedly over the weekend while attending a wedding in the Dominican Republic.

His colleagues at Barstool Sports confirmed his death in a heartbreaking statement released Monday, describing the cause only as a “sudden medical issue.

” Details surrounding the exact circumstances remain unclear, but sources close to the family say Franke had been in good spirits just hours before the tragedy.

Barstool’s Fore Play team — Trent Ryan, Frankie Borrelli, and Riggs (Sam Bozoian) — shared their grief publicly, calling Franke “the heartbeat of our golf community” and a “brother in every sense.

” In a deeply emotional post, they wrote, “Beef wasn’t just a coworker — he was family.

His passion for golf, his humor, his kindness, and his pure love of the game made every day better for everyone around him.”

Franke, who began his career as a teaching professional and PGA associate, gained national attention when he joined Barstool Sports’ Fore Play podcast, where his down-to-earth personality, infectious laughter, and deep golf knowledge quickly made him a fan favorite.

Known affectionately as “Beef” for both his sturdy frame and his larger-than-life personality, he embodied everything fans loved about Barstool’s approach to sports — humor, authenticity, and camaraderie.

Friends say his love for golf started early.

After graduating from the University of Nebraska, Franke dedicated his career to teaching and growing the game.

He worked at several prestigious golf clubs before transitioning to media, where he became one of the most recognizable figures in the Fore Play community.

His social media presence was lighthearted and full of laughter — always featuring clips of him joking with his teammates, giving swing tips, or simply celebrating the game he loved.

When news of his death broke, tributes poured in across social media.

Barstool founder Dave Portnoy tweeted, “Crushed.

Beef was one of the good ones — funny, humble, and loved by everyone.

Just devastating.

” Dozens of PGA professionals and fans echoed the sentiment, sharing stories of Franke’s generosity and good nature.

One fan wrote, “He once stayed late after a tournament just to help a group of kids with their swings.

That’s who he was — no cameras, no show, just heart.”

While official details remain scarce, a representative for Barstool confirmed that Franke’s family has asked for privacy as they make arrangements to bring him home from the Dominican Republic.

“It’s an unimaginable loss,” the statement read.

“Cody was doing what he loved most — celebrating life with friends — and his passing reminds us how fragile life can be.”

The golf world has long been a tight-knit community, and the loss of someone as vibrant and kind as Franke has left a deep emotional void.

Fans across the country are already calling for a memorial tournament in his honor, something his Fore Play teammates say they plan to make happen later this year.

“He would have loved that,” Frankie Borrelli said tearfully during a brief podcast tribute.

“He loved bringing people together through golf.

That was his gift.”

Those who knew Franke personally describe him as a man who never took himself too seriously, who brought humor to every tee box and heart to every fairway.

His final Instagram post, shared just two days before his death, showed him smiling with friends, captioned: “Good times, great people, perfect weather — life’s too short to waste a swing. ”

Now, those words carry a haunting weight.

Cody “Beef” Franke’s sudden death leaves behind a legacy of laughter, kindness, and passion for a game that connected millions.

He may be gone too soon, but his impact on the golf world — and the joy he brought to fans everywhere — will never fade.

A public memorial in his honor is expected to be announced soon, as tributes continue to pour in from the golfing community and beyond.