Chase Stegall, a 20-year-old sophomore soccer player at DePaul University, was found dead in his dormitory on Monday morning, according to school officials. The cause of death has not been disclosed, and the tragedy has sparked an outpouring of grief across the university community. Chase, the son of former NFL wide receiver Milton Stegall, was a member of the DePaul men’s soccer team and was known for his contributions on the field.
Vice President and Director of Athletics DeWayne Peevy and head coach Mark Plotkin released a joint statement on Monday afternoon confirming the news of Stegall’s passing. The statement expressed profound grief over the unexpected loss of Chase, highlighting his role as a cherished member of the community, a dedicated teammate, and a kind-hearted friend. The statement also underscored the university’s commitment to providing support to Chase’s family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time, ensuring they feel the collective strength of the DePaul community.
The incident has also been reported by the student-run newspaper, The DePaulia, which noted that Chase passed away in his residence hall on the university’s Lincoln Park campus. As the investigation into the cause of death continues, the university has promised ongoing support for the family and teammates, ensuring that Chase’s memory remains a significant part of DePaul’s athletic and academic history. Chase’s legacy, both on and off the field, will be remembered as a testament to his character and his impact on those around him.
Chase is the son of former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Milton Stegall, who had a notable career in the NFL and the Canadian Football League. Milton Stegall played three seasons in the NFL before transitioning to the CFL for 14 years, where he became a nine-time All-Star and set several records, including the single-season touchdown record. Despite his father’s achievements in professional sports, Chase’s own journey at DePaul has been marked by dedication and growth, as he made his mark on the campus soccer scene with 16 game appearances and nearly 400 minutes played this past season.