The DePaul University, Chicago men’s soccer team member “passed away unexpectedly” on the morning of Monday, June 2 in his residence hall, the school stated
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NEED TO KNOW
- College soccer player Chase Stegall, the son of former NFL star Milton Stegall, has died “unexpectedly” at age 20, DePaul University, Chicago confirmed
- “He will forever be a Blue Demon,” the team posted as part of a tribute on Instagram
- The athlete was found in his residence hall on the school’s Lincoln Park campus, a post on the DePaulia website confirmed
College soccer player Chase Stegall, the son of former NFL star Milton Stegall, has died at 20.
The DePaul University, Chicago men’s soccer team member “passed away unexpectedly” on the morning of Monday, June 2 at his residence hall on the school’s Lincoln Park campus, a post on the DePaulia website confirmed. A cause of death is yet to be revealed.
DePaul President Rob Manuel announced the tragic news in an email to faculty, staff and students, the post stated.
“Chase was known for his warmth, strength of character, and vibrant presence — qualities that touched the lives of many both on and off the field,” Manuel said, per the DePaulia.
“His loss is deeply felt by his teammates, coaches, classmates, faculty, staff, and all who knew him. We extend our heartfelt prayers and deepest sympathies to Chase’s family, friends, and loved ones,” he added.
The DePaul Blue Demons paid tribute to the athlete in an Instagram post, writing in the caption, “We are devastated to share the passing of our brother, Chase Stegall. Our heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends and everyone who knew him and loved him.”
“He will forever be a Blue Demon,” the message added.
DePaul vice president and director of athletics, DeWayne Peevy, and head coach, Mark Plotkin, said in a joint statement, “We are heartbroken by the unexpected loss of Chase Stegall, a cherished member of our community, dedicated teammate and kind-hearted friend,” per the soccer team’s Instagram post.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Chase’s family, friends, teammates and all who loved him. In the coming days, we will support Chase’s family and teammates through this devastating time. His loss will be deeply felt across our entire Athletics and university family and his memory will forever be a part of DePaul University,” they said.
Stegall was a sophomore midfielder from Atlanta, Ga., per the DePaulia. He played in 16 of DePaul’s 17 games this past season, the site stated, adding that details regarding a memorial service will be announced when available.
Stegall is survived by his parents, Milton and Darlene Stegall, and his brother Collin.
Milton played 17 years of professional football; three years in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals and 14 years in the Canadian Football League (CFL) with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He was inducted into the Canadian Hall of Fame in 2012 after he retired in 2009.
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Wade Miller, president and CEO of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, said in a statement on Instagram, “We are heartbroken to learn of the sudden and tragic passing of Chase Stegall, beloved son of Blue Bombers legend Milt Stegall.”
“Chase was a bright and talented young man with a promising future, and his loss is felt deeply across our entire Blue Bombers family,” he added.
“Our hearts go out to Milt, Darlene, and the entire Stegall family during this unimaginable time. We mourn with them and extend our deepest condolences, love, and support,” the statement concluded.