Missouri State Football Player Todric McGee, 21, Dies After Injury at Home; Investigation Underway
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — April 20, 2025
Missouri State University and its extended football community are in mourning following the devastating death of 21-year-old safety Todric McGee, a standout student-athlete who died early Saturday morning due to injuries sustained at his home on Friday. The news has sent shockwaves across the university, the football program, and McGee’s hometown of Wichita, Kansas, where his journey to gridiron greatness began.
McGee was rushed to a local hospital Friday evening after sustaining injuries at his Springfield residence. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of Saturday, April 19. The university publicly confirmed his death later that day, stating that local authorities have launched a full investigation into the circumstances that led to his hospitalization. As of now, details remain limited and authorities have not released further information regarding the nature of his injuries or the events preceding the emergency.
A Promising Career Cut Short
McGee was more than just a talented football player—he was an emerging leader, a scholar, and an inspiration to many. Entering his fifth season with the Missouri State Bears, he had carved out a reputation as one of the team’s most reliable and dynamic defensive players. As a two-year starter, McGee had become a cornerstone of the Missouri State defense, earning praise for his speed, field vision, and punishing tackles.
Throughout the 2023 and 2024 seasons, McGee started at safety, anchoring the Bears’ secondary and consistently making clutch plays in high-pressure moments. He was known for his ability to read opposing offenses and disrupt plays before they could develop. Teammates and coaches alike described him as a student of the game—someone who put in extra hours in the film room, studied his opponents meticulously, and led by example both on and off the field.
Missouri State head football coach Ryan Beard issued a heartfelt statement on Saturday, saying, “Our football family is in shock and in mourning at the loss of Todric. He was more than a player—he was a brother, a leader, and a beloved member of our team. The locker room is quiet. The weight of this tragedy is heavy. We ask for privacy for his family, teammates, and all who loved him as we process this enormous loss. Please keep Todric and those closest to him in your prayers.”
Roots in Wichita: The Beginning of a Football Dream
Born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, Todric McGee was a graduate of Wichita Northwest High School, where his athletic potential began to shine at an early age. He quickly rose through the ranks as a high school standout, becoming one of the top defensive prospects in the region. McGee’s high school coaches remember him as not only an explosive athlete but a young man of integrity and determination.
“He was the kind of kid who made you proud to coach,” said former Wichita Northwest head coach Steve Martin. “Smart, humble, and driven. He had the heart of a warrior on the field and the soul of a gentle leader off of it. His potential was limitless.”
McGee’s recruitment by Missouri State marked the beginning of a promising collegiate career. Over his years with the Bears, he steadily grew into a leader, both in the locker room and within the university community. Off the field, he pursued a degree in kinesiology with aspirations of becoming a coach or athletic trainer. Those close to him say he often spoke of wanting to return to Wichita one day to mentor young athletes in underserved communities.
A Community in Mourning
The outpouring of grief from the Missouri State and broader collegiate sports community has been profound. On campus, memorials have begun to appear outside the football stadium and athletic training facilities—flowers, candles, handwritten notes, and McGee’s jersey number “6” etched on poster boards and signs.
Fellow student-athletes, coaches, and alumni have flooded social media with tributes using hashtags like #RememberTodric and #BearsForever. Missouri Valley Conference officials also issued a statement expressing their condolences and support for Missouri State.
Missouri State University President Clif Smart said in a message to the student body, “This is a heartbreaking day for all of us. Todric McGee was not just an athlete—he was a symbol of what it means to be a Bear. His passion, resilience, and spirit were infectious. As a university, we are grieving this loss deeply and will continue to support his teammates, classmates, and everyone affected.”
Grief counseling services and wellness support have been made available to all Missouri State students, particularly those in the athletics department, through the university’s student support center.
What Comes Next
Springfield police are actively investigating McGee’s death. An autopsy is expected to be performed in the coming days to help determine the cause and manner of death. Authorities have not commented on whether foul play is suspected, and the university has asked the public to refrain from speculation until official details are released.
A campus-wide candlelight vigil is currently being planned by the Missouri State Student Government Association and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. The football team will also honor McGee’s memory during their upcoming spring game, where players are expected to wear a commemorative patch bearing his initials and number.
Plans for a public memorial service or funeral have not yet been announced by McGee’s family.
Legacy of a Life Well Lived
While his life was tragically brief, Todric McGee’s impact will be long-lasting. He leaves behind a legacy not just of athletic excellence but of compassion, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. For those who knew him, played alongside him, or simply watched him from the stands, McGee will be remembered as a beacon of determination and heart.
“He gave his all to the game, to his teammates, and to his future,” said teammate Malik Johnson. “He was like a brother to us, and now we play for him. We live for him.”
As Missouri State grapples with this unimaginable loss, one thing is clear: Todric McGee may be gone, but his presence will continue to resonate through the hearts of his teammates, the halls of the university, and the wider football world he loved so deeply.
In Loving Memory of Todric McGee
2003 – 2025
“Forever a Bear. Forever in our hearts.”
