Barstool Sports is in mourning this week after the tragic loss of a popular personality.
Cody Franke had way more life to live, and his fans wanted him to accomplish that. Unfortunately, his life came to an end this week.
Barstool Sports’ golf podcast, “Fore Play,” made the tragic announcement on Monday that Cody “Beef” Franke died suddenly over the weekend from a medical issue.
“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 podcast announced on social media.
Cody “Beef” Franke joined the popular Barstool Sports golf podcast at the end of 2024.
“Barstool lost a member of our family this weekend. Just tragic news,” Barstool CEO Dave Portnoy wrote 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 Sports Has Been Down This Road Before
After almost a decade as a PGA of America Golf Professional working at clubs in both California and Wisconsin, Cody Franke would take his talents to Barstool Sports.
Less than a year later, he would tragically pass away.
Barstool has unfortunately had to deal with a lot of loss.
In January 2025, owner Dave Portnoy took to social media to reveal that Jonathan Stanko had passed away after a battle with cancer. The late Barstool staffer left behind a wife. He was only 32.
Just a few weeks later, Portnoy announced that 28-year-old Iga Obrycka had suddenly passed away. She was the general manager of Barstool Nashville, and Portnoy claims he would have hired her for any position she wanted within the company because she was “smart and driven.”
Three personalities in one year is heartbreaking. Many prayers to the company going forward.
