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The circumstances surrounding the sudden death of Chase Stegall, the son of former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Milton Stegall, have been revealed three months after he passed away.
Chase, a rising collegiate soccer star at DePaul University, died unexpectedly in his dorm room at the university's Lincoln Park campus in June. He was 20.
The Cook County Medical Examiner announced this week that he passed away due to Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy. His death was classified as natural.
Chase had been a sophomore midfielder for DePaul's men's soccer team. He played in 16 of the school's 17 games last season, registering one goal which came against Drake University.
He previously detailed a health scare in an essay for the university's website earlier this year, opening up on a 'seizure.' However, it is unclear when the ordeal took place.
'I can't tell you exactly what happened,' Chase wrote in February. 'All I know is that I had a seizure. And all I remember is waking up in the hospital. But when I opened my eyes, there was Mark Plotkin, my head soccer coach, standing next to me. He'd left practice and had come to the hospital to see how I was doing. He stayed there for hours with me.'
Chase Stegall's cause of death has been listed as Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy
The 20-year-old was the son of former NFL wide receiver Milton Stegall (far left)
He continued, 'My teammates and friends constantly checked up on me, too. They'd helped me get to the hospital, and sent me texts to make sure I was doing OK. Their kindness, their care, stayed with me.'
He explained that the experience helped consolidate his knowledge that DePaul was the right college for him.
'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,' he added.
'It didn't matter that I was eventually redshirted that season and didn't see the field. I could have transferred and found a new school, a new program. And yet, I knew nothing would compare to the family I had found here.'
Chase is survived by his parents Milton and Darlene Stegall, and his brother Collin.
Former wideout Milton - 'Milt' - thanked the football community for its support in the wake of his son's passing in a statement released just days after his death.
'Every tribute, every call, every message, post, or sign, every act of love has wrapped my family and me in a comfort that is helping us navigate through these difficult times,' the 55-year-old wrote on X. 'The love you've shown us has been overwhelming, in the best way. It's reminded us that this league, this family, runs so much deeper than football.'
'Please continue to keep us in your prayers. We feel them. And I hope to see you all again soon,' he added.
Chase, a rising collegiate soccer star at DePaul University, died unexpectedly in his dorm room
Chase is survived by his parents Milton and Darlene (second left) and brother Collin (right)
Rob Manuel, president of the Chicago university, mourned Chase's tragic death in a school-wide email at the time.
'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.'
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.'
Milton 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.
The Atlanta native was a sophomore midfielder for DePaul's men's soccer team
Milton played three seasons in the NFL before coming a household name in the CFL
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.
