A Missouri college football star has died in a tragic accident at the age of just 21.
Missouri State senior Todric McGee was found dead at his home on Saturday after he reportedly shot himself by mistake.
Police were summoned to his apartment complex Friday for a wellness check, where they discovered the young man with a "possible accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound."
He was transported to a hospital in Springfield, where he died the next day.
A Wichita, Kansas native, McGee had been the Bears' starting safety for the past two seasons and earned all-conference honors in 2023.
McGee had been eager to get playing again after a knee injury cut his season short last year, the Springfield News-Leader reported.
Missouri State's athletics director joined McGee's coach in mourning his untimely death.
“On behalf of the university and our entire department, we want to express our condolences to Todric’s family, friends, and teammates,” said Missouri State Director of Athletics Patrick Ransdell. “This tragedy has shaken our football program to the core, and we want them to know we are here to support them in every way possible at this extremely difficult time.”
Rest easy young man 🐻 🏈
Joshua 1:9 pic.twitter.com/bjOdmQCD82— Ryan Beard (@Ry_Beard) April 19, 2025
"Our football family is in shock and in mourning at the loss of Todric," Bears head football coach Ryan Beard said in a statement. "We ask everyone to please respect the privacy of his family and our MoState football team at this time as we begin the healing process. Join us in praying for Todric and the people who loved him."
A close friend and former teammate from McGee's high school days, Zaire Adkins, was among those processing the shocking news.
"He was a lighthearted person," Adkins said. "He was always joking around and explaining things in the funniest way. His smile was contagious and infectious. He was always smiling and laughing."
McGee had shown promise as a teenager at Northwest High in Wichita, where he was an all-state defensive back and team captain. The school shared a touching tribute for the young man "with a heart of gold."
I am heartbroken to have to share this but Todric McGee passed away last night! Please keep his mother Stephanie and sister Tahlia in your thoughts and prayers as well as the many family and friends he had. He was an amazing young man with a heart of gold! RIP Todric! pic.twitter.com/xOLkuV4MHk
— NORTHWEST FOOTBALL (@NWGRIZZLYFB) April 19, 2025
The tragic incident continues to be investigated by police.
