Missouri State Football Player Dies from Accidental Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound at 21
Missouri State University is mourning the loss of 21-year-old football player Todric McGee, who died on April 19 following an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound at his residence. Authorities confirmed the incident was a tragic accident, with no indications of mental health issues.
McGee, a starting safety for the Missouri State Bears, was known for his dedication, warm personality, and positive influence both on and off the field. He was preparing for his fifth season with the team. In 2023, he earned all-conference honors, and although his 2024 season was cut short due to injury, he remained an integral part of the team.
Beyond football, McGee demonstrated deep family commitment. Last year, he initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support his mother after she suffered a brain aneurysm. His high school football coach, Steve Martin, remarked on McGee's selflessness, stating, "To see him be selfless and come back and want to be around mom and help her out pays tribute to the type of home he grew up in," according to PEOPLE Magazine.
On April 21, friends and family gathered at Plaster Stadium to honor McGee's memory, releasing balloons and sharing heartfelt memories. His sister, Tahlia Pope, expressed her grief, saying, “He was always there, and he was just everything. He was a sibling I needed,” McGee’s sister Tahlia Pope told KYTV.
Teammate Zaire Adkins remembered McGee as "a lighthearted person" whose "smile was contagious and infectious."
The tragically precarious circumstances called into question whether suicidal ideation played a role, but McGee’s mother quickly shut that down.
“He wasn’t depressed, there’s no mental issues or anything like that that would make this happen, it’s just a tragic accident, and I just want people to know that you know he’s a good kid,” McGee’s mother, Stephanie Pope, told KYTV.
Missouri State's head football coach, Ryan Beard, expressed the team's sorrow, stating, "Our football family is in shock and in mourning at the loss of Todric." Athletics director Patrick Ransdell added, "This tragedy has shaken our football program to the core."
People.com
The university has requested privacy for McGee's family and teammates during this difficult time and has offered support services to those affected by the tragedy.
