Missouri State University football player Todric McGee passed away on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the age of 21. Springfield, Missouri, police officers responded to a wellness check at McGee’s residence near the university on Friday morning. Upon arrival, they discovered McGee with what appeared to be a “possible accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
McGee’s mother, Stephanie Pope, stated that there were no signs of depression or mental health issues, describing the incident as a “tragic accident.”
Cris Swaters, spokesperson for the Springfield Police Department, confirmed in an email that McGee was taken to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. He later succumbed to those injuries early Saturday morning despite medical efforts.
McGee was a prominent safety for the Missouri State Bears football team and was entering his fifth season. He served as the team’s starting safety in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons, earning All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors in 2023.
His promising 2024 season was cut short after he suffered an injury during the fifth game of the year. Despite this, he was expected to be a central figure for the Bears in the 2025 season.
Missouri State University confirmed McGee’s passing on Saturday, expressing deep sorrow over losing such a young player.
Head coach Ryan Beard stated that the team was deeply affected by the incident. “Our football family is in shock and in mourning at the loss of Todric,” Beard said in a statement.
Beard asked for privacy for McGee’s family and the football team during this difficult period, encouraging people to keep Todric and his loved ones in their thoughts.
Patrick Ransdell, Missouri State’s Director of Athletics, commented that the tragedy has profoundly impacted the football program. He noted that the event has “shaken our football program to the core” while offering condolences to McGee’s family, friends, and teammates.
The university has provided grief counseling services for student-athletes and staff affected by the loss.
McGee hailed from Wichita, Kansas, and graduated from Wichita Northwest High School, where he was an all-state defensive back and team captain. He received offers from several institutions, including Army, Air Force, and Southeast Missouri, before choosing Missouri State University.
At Missouri State, McGee majored in psychology and exercise and movement science and significantly contributed to the football program.
Following the news of his death, Wichita Northwest High School paid tribute to their former student. School representatives described McGee as an “amazing young man with a heart of gold,” underscoring his impact on and off the field.
McGee is survived by his parents, brother, and sister, according to university statements.
Local authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, though initial reports suggest it was accidental. The Springfield Police Department has classified this as an active investigation.
McGee’s passing is a notable loss for the Missouri State football program as they prepare for the upcoming season. He was anticipated to be a key player for the Bears in 2025, having established himself as a reliable defensive back in previous seasons.
