Introduction
The world of golf content creation and digital sports media was struck with tragic news when Cody “Beef” Franke, a prominent figure in the golf community and part of Barstool Sports, passed away at the age of 31. His sudden death has raised questions around how it happened, what the cause was, and what his physical health and weight may have been. This article delves into what we know so far about his death, cause, how he died, his background, and addresses the missing pieces.
Early Life & Career Highlights
Cody Franke had built a strong reputation as a golf instructor and influencer. Before joining Barstool Sports, he worked as a PGA professional and became known for his accessible swing-tip videos and authentic personality.
He joined Barstool’s golf-content team (the podcast Fore Play) earlier in 2025 and quickly became a fan-favourite for his straightforward teaching style and friendly demeanour.
Death: What Happened?
According to official statements from Barstool’s Fore Play podcast, Franke passed away over a weekend due to a “sudden medical issue”. Key facts:
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He was 31 years old at the time of his death.
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He was attending a wedding in the Dominican Republic when the incident occurred.
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The exact medical cause of death has not been publicly confirmed or disclosed.
This means that while the fact of his death is clear, the specific underlying cause remains unknown to the public, and speculation should be treated with caution.
Cause of Death: What We Know & Don’t Know
What we know:
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He suffered a “sudden medical issue” according to the statement.
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The location was the Dominican Republic at a wedding.
What we don’t know:
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The exact nature of the medical issue (heart-attack, stroke, other emergency) is unspecified.
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Whether there were prior health concerns that contributed.
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Whether any autopsy or cause-of-death report is public.
Given the lack of specific information, the article must clearly state that the cause is undisclosed and avoid presenting speculation as fact. Cody “Beef” Franke death.
How Did He Die?
In practical terms, he died suddenly while abroad, away from his home base, which adds to the shock and uncertainty. The timeline suggests:
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He attended a wedding event in the Dominican Republic.
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Over the weekend, he experienced a medical emergency described only as a “sudden medical issue”.
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He passed away before further public details or cause disclosures were made.
The key takeaway: his death was unexpected, with minimal publicly shared details beyond the general description of a sudden event.
Weight & Physical Health
One question often raised is about his weight and whether physical health may have been a factor. Some commentary in forums references his size, while no official weight statistics are confirmed. For example, on Reddit:
“He was truly a nice guy. Really sad to see. RIP Beef.”
“That would be an amazing way to honor him… big guys can play golf too.”
From those comments and some articles, there’s indication that Franke was larger in build than many golf instructors. For instance:
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A Hindustan Times article lists “weight” among interest-points though it stops short of giving a verified figure.
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Community commentary suggests concerns about health related to size but no official source.
Because there is no reliable public record of his exact weight or health condition, any mention of his weight must be carefully qualified: he was noted to be of a heavier build compared to typical golf instructors, but no verified number is found. Cody “Beef” Franke death.
Legacy & Impact
Despite the tragic nature of his passing, Cody Franke left a meaningful legacy:
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His approachable style and genuine personality were widely praised by colleagues and fans alike. For example, Barstool founder Dave Portnoy called him “the nicest more genuine person”.
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He helped demystify golf instruction and made the sport feel more accessible.
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His death has become a wake-up call for many in the golf community about health and the transient nature of life.
Why It Resonates With Audiences
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Age: At only 31, his death underlines how sudden and unexpected mortality can be.
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Platform: Being part of Barstool Sports gave him visibility beyond traditional golf audiences.
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Personality: His kindness and authenticity made him more than just a content creator—he was someone many felt they knew.
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Health context: His larger build led to conversations about fitness, wellness and moderation even in non-traditional athletic careers.
FAQs
Q1: What was the cause of Cody “Beef” Franke’s death?
A1: The official statement said he died from a “sudden medical issue” while attending a wedding in the Dominican Republic. The exact cause remains undisclosed.
Q2: What was his age at the time of death?
A2: He was 31 years old. Cody “Beef” Franke death.
Q3: Where did he die?
A3: He was in the Dominican Republic, attending a wedding when he suffered the medical emergency.
Q4: What was his weight or physical build?
A4: There is no publicly verified figure for his weight. However, by community commentary and articles he was noted to have a heavier build relative to many peers. This remains anecdotal only.
Q5: What legacy did he leave behind?
A5: Cody Franke is remembered for being highly genuine, helping make golf more accessible, and inspiring many through his teaching and personality. His passing has prompted reflections on health, kindness, and living fully.
Final Thoughts
The passing of Cody “Beef” Franke is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of health, community, and authenticity. While many questions remain unanswered — particularly around the exact cause of his death and his physical health metrics — what stands out is the impact he had in a short time. His approach to golf, his personal character, and the response he elicited from followers all underline that he was more than just a digital personality — he was a genuine human being who made a difference.
As the golf and Barstool communities mourn his loss, one message echoes: live each day with purpose, compassion and authenticity — just as Cody did.
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