College Football Player Dies After Terrible Accident

Missouri State football standout Todric McGee has tragically died at just 21 years old after what police are calling an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The young athlete passed away this past Saturday, April 19, shortly after being rushed from his home to a nearby hospital, according to the Springfield Police Department. News of his sudden death has stunned friends, teammates, and the community that knew him as a dedicated player with a bright smile and even brighter future.

“He wasn’t depressed. There’s no mental health issues that led to this,” said McGee’s mother, Stephanie Pope, in an interview with KYTV. “It’s just a tragic accident. I want people to know—he was a good kid.”

Originally from Wichita, Kansas, McGee had been a standout safety for Missouri State and was preparing for his fifth season with the team. But his impact went far beyond the field. Last year, he launched a GoFundMe campaign to support his mother after she suffered a brain aneurysm—highlighting just how close the family was.

“He saw his mom in a different light,” recalled his high school coach, Steve Martin. “He came back to help her. That says everything about the kind of kid Todric was. Selfless, grounded, and full of heart.”

On Monday, friends and family gathered at Plaster Stadium—the field where McGee had made so many memories—to release balloons in his honor. They shared stories about his love for travel, his admiration for his older sister, and his ability to make everyone laugh.

“He was just everything,” said his sister, Tahlia Pope. “He was the sibling I needed.”

His teammates echoed the sentiment, remembering McGee as a loyal friend and energetic presence in the locker room.

“He was always cracking jokes, explaining things in the funniest way,” said teammate Zaire Adkins. “His smile was contagious. He was always smiling, always laughing.”

Adkins added, “None of us want to believe it. This hurts. But we’ll get through it together. Todric would’ve wanted that.”