The sudden loss of Chase Stegall, a 20-year-old DePaul University soccer standout, has left a void in the hearts of his teammates, family, and the broader sports community. Stegall, a sophomore midfielder, was found unresponsive in his dorm room at Sanctuary Hall on DePaul’s Lincoln Park campus in Chicago on the morning of June 2, 2025. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office later determined that his death was due to Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), a rare but devastating complication linked to epilepsy.
This tragic event has brought renewed attention to the risks associated with seizures. Stegall’s journey was one of resilience and passion. Standing at 6’1” and weighing 165 pounds, he was a versatile athlete who played as an outside back, midfielder, and forward. Despite facing significant health challenges, including a documented seizure that landed him in the hospital during his time at DePaul, he showed remarkable determination.
In a personal essay, Stegall recounted waking up in a hospital with no memory of the seizure, crediting his coaches and teammates for their support. Though he never explicitly mentioned an epilepsy diagnosis, the medical examiner’s ruling suggests he lived with the condition. He also redshirted his freshman year due to an injury but bounced back to play in 16 of 17 games in his 2024 sophomore season, even scoring his first college goal against Drake on September 2, 2024. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, Chase Stegall grew up immersed in sports, choosing soccer over football and basketball by fifth grade.
A product of Woodward Academy and the Southern Soccer Academy, he caught the eye of DePaul’s coaching staff at a Dallas showcase, committing to the university in December 2022. As the son of former NFL and CFL star Milton Stegall and Darlene Stegall, Chase Stegall carried a legacy of athletic excellence. He aimed to inspire his younger brother, Collin, and other young Black athletes, drawing inspiration from soccer icon Mario Balotelli.
His warm personality and leadership shone through, with DePaul’s athletics department calling him a “cherished member” and “kind-hearted friend.” The announcement of Stegall’s passing came swiftly from DePaul University President Rob Manuel on June 2, 2025, followed by heartfelt tributes from coaches, teammates, and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, where his father played. Milton Stegall shared his gratitude for the support on social media, noting the profound impact of his son’s loss. The Southern Soccer Academy honored Chase Stegall as “family,” reflecting his deep ties to his roots.
While memorial service details remain pending, his legacy as a Blue Demon endures.
