The football community is in shock following the devastating news about Chase Stegall, a promising 20-year-old midfielder who was found unresponsive in his dormitory at DePaul University. This talented young athlete’s sudden passing has left teammates, coaches, family, and friends struggling to comprehend the loss of someone with such a bright future ahead.
While authorities haven’t released an official cause of death, the impact of this tragedy extends far beyond the pitch where Stegall made his mark wearing jersey number 2 for the DePaul men’s soccer team.
The Chase Stegall tragedy
Monday, June 2, 2025, marks a devastating day for the DePaul University community. Chase Stegall, a sophomore midfielder, was discovered unresponsive in his dorm room at Sanctuary Hall on the Lincoln Park campus. The news sent shockwaves through the university and the wider sporting community.
DePaul community mourns
The university’s response reflects the profound impact Stegall had on campus life. DePaul University President Robert L. Manuel highlighted Stegall’s “warmth, strength of character, and vibrant presence” in a heartfelt statement addressing the tragedy.
DeWayne Peevy, Vice President and Director of Athletics, along with Head Men’s Soccer Coach Mark Plotkin, expressed their devastation, calling Stegall “a cherished member of our community, dedicated teammate and kind-hearted friend.” The loss has left a void across the entire DePaul Athletics family that won’t easily heal.
Stegall’s life and soccer career
Hailing from Atlanta, Stegall was pursuing a degree in marketing and communications while making his presence known on the soccer field. The 2024 season saw him participate in 16 of DePaul’s 17 games, with his first collegiate goal against Drake on September 2 being a highlight he cherished deeply.
This tragic event follows several troubling incidents in collegiate sports, including another college basketball player killed in a Texas shooting earlier this year, highlighting the fragility of promising young lives in sport.
Family’s heartbreak
Chase comes from a family with deep connections to professional sports. His father, Milton Stegall, played for the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL before becoming a Canadian Football League Hall of Famer with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The Blue Bombers organization has also expressed their heartbreak, with President Wade Miller describing Chase as “a bright and talented young man with a promising future.”
In a poignant birthday message from November, Chase’s mother Darlene encouraged him to “Chase God. Chase goodness. Chase your dreams,” words that now carry additional emotional weight in light of this tragedy.
University support
DePaul University has mobilized resources to support students and staff affected by this loss. The University Counseling and Psychological Services is offering 24-hour support, along with the Division of Mission & Ministry providing spiritual guidance during this difficult time.
As the DePaul community processes this loss, it serves as a stark reminder of life’s unpredictability, similar to how another soccer star lost his life in a neighborly gunfight in a separate incident that shocked fans.
Sources
Information for this report comes from multiple verified sources, including official statements from DePaul University Athletics, The DePaulia student newspaper, and various news outlets including NBC Chicago, People.com, and Yahoo Sports.
While the football world continues to evolve, with the MLS SuperDraft 2025 unveils the pool of talent and rising stars looking toward bright futures, the Stegall tragedy reminds us to cherish every moment and support our sporting communities through both triumphs and tragedies.
