We finally have answers about what happened to Chase Stegall. The Cook County Medical Examiner has revealed the 20-year-old DePaul University soccer player died from Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). His passing has been classified as natural.
Chase, son of former NFL wide receiver and CFL Hall of Famer Milton Stegall, was found unresponsive in his dorm room at DePaul's Lincoln Park campus back in June. The sophomore midfielder had been a promising talent for the university's soccer program.
In an essay written earlier this year, Chase had actually mentioned experiencing a seizure, though he didn't specify when it happened. "All I know is that I had a seizure. And all I remember is waking up in the hospital," he wrote in February.
Rising Soccer Talent Cut Short
Chase had established himself as an important player for DePaul's men's soccer team. He appeared in 16 of 17 games last season and even scored a goal against Drake University.
What makes this story even more poignant is how Chase had found his perfect fit at DePaul. In his own words, the medical emergency he experienced earlier had actually strengthened his connection to the school.
"Knowing that my head coach and teammates cared about me that much was the moment I knew that DePaul was the right place for me," Chase wrote. He specifically mentioned how his head coach Mark Plotkin left practice to be with him at the hospital for hours.
Community Response to the Tragedy
The loss has deeply affected both the sporting and academic communities. DePaul University President Rob Manuel described Chase as having "warmth, strength of character, and vibrant presence."
His father Milton, who played three seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals before becoming a CFL legend with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, expressed gratitude for the support. "Every tribute, every call, every message, post, or sign, every act of love has wrapped my family and me in comfort," he shared on social media.
Chase leaves behind his parents Milton and Darlene, and his brother Collin. His coach Mark Plotkin and DePaul's Athletic Director described him as a "cherished member of our community, dedicated teammate and kind-hearted friend."
Milton Stegall's impressive career included retiring as the CFL's all-time leading receiver with 845 receptions, 15,153 yards, and 144 touchdowns. He was inducted into the CFL Hall of Fame in 2012 after his 14-year career with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
This tragic loss reminds us of the unpredictable nature of epilepsy-related conditions and how they can affect even young athletes in their prime. The DePaul soccer program will undoubtedly feel this absence deeply as they move forward this season.
