### DePaul University Mourns Sudden Death of Soccer Player Chase Stegall

DePaul University is mourning the unexpected death of sophomore soccer player Chase Stegall, who was found unresponsive in his dorm room on Monday. The tragic news was confirmed by the university and the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office.

Chase Stegall, a 20-year-old midfielder originally from Atlanta, had been a dedicated member of DePaul's men's soccer team. DePaul Athletics Director DeWayne Peevy and Head Soccer Coach Mark Plotkin expressed their deep sorrow, describing Stegall as a "dedicated teammate and kind-hearted friend." They noted that his loss would be "deeply felt across our entire Athletics and university family," and that his memory would remain a part of DePaul University.

University President Robert Manuel conveyed that Stegall was known for his "warmth, strength of character, and vibrant presence." An autopsy to ascertain the cause of his death is pending, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office.

In a poignant February post on the DePaul website, Stegall detailed his previous struggles with seizures and how he had bounced back from injuries. He credited his recovery to the unwavering support of his coaches, teammates, family, and friends. "Their kindness, their care, stayed with me," Stegall had written.

Starting soccer at just three years old, Stegall's talents were quickly recognized, and he was offered a spot on DePaul’s team after Coach Plotkin saw his performance at a California showcase. Despite a difficult freshman year with limited playing time, Stegall made a strong comeback during his sophomore season, playing in 16 out of 17 games and scoring his first goal, which he described as "one of the best feelings I've ever had."

Stegall had been focused on mentoring younger teammates and had envisioned a growing role within the team. His close-knit family includes his brother Collin and his parents, Darlene and Milton Stegall. His father, Milton, had notable careers in both the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals and in the Canadian Football League with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

"Chase was a bright and talented young man with a promising future, and his loss is felt deeply across our entire Blue Bombers family," the Winnipeg Blue Bombers shared in a heartfelt Instagram post. The entire DePaul community continues to grieve the loss of a remarkable young athlete and person.