The Missouri State football program, the Bears, has been gradually increasing in popularity. Their transition to Conference USA during the 2025 season is commendable. The same program dealt with heartbreaking news last week: Todric McGee, Missouri State’s top safety, passed away at the age of 21, rocking the program and the world of college football. His death was a tremendous loss to the team and the college football community.

On April 18th, police were called to Todric’s Springfield home for a wellness check. The officers discovered Todric suffering from a severe gunshot wound. A few hours later, the authorities declared him dead, confirming that a gunshot wound was “possibly accidental and self-inflicted.” Todric McGree was 21. The news twisted a lot, and a few individuals questioned whether anything else had happened, considering how abrupt and tragic it was. Nevertheless, police releases and university administrators have remained with the notion that it was an accident.

Amid the shock and grief, one voice had a special resonance: that of his mother, Stephanie Pope. She finally spoke out to tell her son’s story and put the record straight about his last days. Stephanie Pope said, “He wasn’t depressed, there’s no mental issues or anything like that that would cause this to happen, it’s just a tragic accident, and I just want people to know that you know he’s a good kid.”

The McGee family had already endured much. Almost a year before Todric’s passing, Stephanie experienced a brain aneurysm that necessitated surgery and months of challenging rehab. Todric helped his mom set up a GoFundMe to help pay for medical bills and spend valuable time at her bedside. Todric’s sister Tahlia also commented on her brother’s sudden demise by saying, “He was always there, and he was just everything. He was a sibling I needed.”

A football family in mourning

The untimely death of Todric McGee struck the Bears family hard. The love and support came in waves immediately and were deeply touching. Coach Ryan Beard spoke from the heart and told how the whole football family was in shock and grieving the loss of such a bright young man who had contributed so much to the program.

Friends remembered Todric as a person who always brought sunshine to the locker room. McGee was a man who loved his family and friends and raised everyone around him. Social media was filled with condolences from teammates, alumni, and fans who posted stories of Todric’s generosity and work ethic.

The death of Todric McGee was a crushing blow to the Missouri State football family and the community at large. Todric was not just an exceptional safety on the field; he was a truly kind, hardworking guy who was so much to his teammates, coaches, and fans. Social media lit up with heartfelt messages from friends, teammates, and alumni alike, all recalling Todric as more than a player — a true friend and member of the family.