Cody ‘Beef’ Franke, a popular golf influencer with Barstool Sports, died this past weekend at the age of 31.
Franke reportedly suffered a “sudden medical issue” while attending a wedding in Dominican Republic.
“Barstool lost a member of our family this weekend,” Barstool founder Dave Portnoy posted on X. “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.”
Barstool’s Fore Play podcast — to which Franke was a major contributor — also honoured their late friend.
“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 account wrote.
Tributes pour in for Cody ‘Beef’ Franke
Tributes to Franke poured in over social media after the news of his death went viral.
“Heartbreaking news,” popular golf influencer Paige Spiranac wrote on X. “He was such a kind and good person.”
Fellow Barstool member Riggs posted an video of Franke, during which he removed his hat every time he greeted a person at an event – an endearing habit of the big man.
“Still one of my favourite videos of all time. Beef was all class,” Riggs wrote.
Barstool’s Frankie Borrelli also observed the polite habit at a golf event.
“If Beef meets 1,000 people, he’s taking his hat off 1,000 times,” Borrelli wrote. “I’ve never seen anything like it. He took his hat off to say goodnight at the Airbnb the other day. The epitome of class.”
Before joining Barstool earlier this year, Franke had served as a PGA of America Golf Professional and the head pro at Thornberry Creek in Wisconsin. He spent a decade in the sport before joining Portnoy’s sports media company.
“I originally thought it was a fake email,” Franke told PGA.com about receiving an a job offer from Barstool Sports in March.
“(Portnoy) and I see the same way about content and media — tip ideas, content that’s easy consumable instead of a 30-minute show, etc
“It just turned into if I wanted to do it full time or part time.”
Franke’s cause of death has yet to be revealed.