Missouri State University football’s Todric McGee died early on Saturday morning at just 21.
The university announced that the safety died in the hospital from injuries suffered at his local residence.
Police told The Springfield News-Leader that, in response to a wellness check call, officers located McGee on Friday morning with a “possible accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
The investigation into his death is ongoing, according to MSU athletics.
“On behalf of the university and our entire department, we want to express our condolences to Todric’s family, friends, and teammates,” Missouri State Director of Athletics Patrick Ransdell said. “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.”
“Our football family is in shock and mourning at the loss of Todric,” Bears head football coach Ryan Beard said. “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.”
The Wichita, Kansas native graduated from Wichita Northwest High School and was set to enter his fifth season with Missouri State.
McGee was the starting safety for the Bears in both the 2024 and 2023 seasons, and he also earned all-conference honors for the latter.
His 2024 season was cut short after suffering an injury in just the fifth game of the year.