Chase Stegall, the son of former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Milton Stegall, has died suddenly at the age of 20.
Chase, a rising collegiate soccer star at DePaul University, died unexpectedly in his dorm room at the university’s Lincoln Park campus on Monday morning, according to the school’s newspaper, The DePaulia.
Rob Manuel, president of the Chicago university, announced the heartbreaking news of Chase’s tragic death in a school-wide email.
‘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. ‘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.’
No cause of death has yet been revealed.
Chase, a sophomore, was a midfielder for DePaul’s men’s soccer team. He played in 16 of the school’s 17 games this past season, registering one goal which came against Drake University.
Chase Stegall, the son of former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Milton Stegall, has died
Chase, a rising collegiate soccer star at DePaul University, died unexpectedly in his dorm room
The 20-year-old is the son of former NFL wide receiver Milton Stegall (far right)
Stegall’s coach, Mark Plotkin, and Vice President and Director of Athletics DeWayne Peevy released a joint statement, describing Chase as a ‘dedicated teammate and kind-hearted friend.’
‘We are heartbroken by the unexpected loss of Chase Stegall, a cherished member of our community, dedicated teammate and kind-hearted friend.,’ the touching statement read.
‘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.’
A memorial service is set to be held to remember the Atlanta native with details to be later announced.
Chase is survived by his parents Milton and Darlene Stegall, and his brother Collin.
Milton – ‘Milt’ – played three seasons in the NFL as a wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals.
He signed with the Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 1992 after graduating from the University of Miami at Ohio.
Following three seasons in Cincinnati, Milt signed with the Green Bay Packers in free agency. However, he never suited up for the Packers as he was released at the end of training camp after suffering a serious knee injury.
Milton played three seasons in the NFL before coming a household name in the CFL
Chase is survived by his parents Milton and Darlene (second left) and brother Collin (right)
Following his brief stint in the NFL, the wideout headed north, taking his trade to the Canadian Football League.
The 55-year-old signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 1995, going on to become a key member of the team.
He played 14 years with the Bombers, cementing himself as a household name in the CFL, before handing up his cleats in 2009.
He retired as the CFL’s all-time leading receiver with a career total of 845 receptions, 15,153 receiving yards, and 144 receiving touchdowns.
In 2012, Milt was inducted into the CFL Hall of Fame, and is also an inductee in the Winnipeg Football Club Hall of Fame.
More to follow.