Just over a week after DePaul soccer player Chase Stegall’s death at age 20, family and friends remembered him at a celebration of life held Wednesday, June 11, in Atlanta.
“Chase was the most joyful and kind guy that I had ever met,” his best friend, Jordan Clagette, said in his eulogy.
“I can’t think of any situation in which Chase was thinking about the downside of anything,” he added. “It’s what made him the shining light in any dark room. Moving to Chicago was the easiest decision of my life because I’d be there with my best friend. … Chase was a part of my life that I will forever hold close to my heart. He blessed my life for the better and I want to say thank you to his parents, Darlene and Milt Stegall, for raising such an amazing person in Chase.”
Stegall was found dead in his DePaul dorm room on June 2. An autopsy was ordered to determine Chase’s cause and manner of death, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office via the Chicago Sun Times.
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Stegall played in 16 of the Blue Demons’ 17 games in 2024, scoring the only goal of his college career last September against Drake University.
DePaul head coach Mark Plotkin also spoke at the service, calling him “electric” on the pitch.
“Chase was the most genuine, innocent and sweet human being that you’ll ever meet,” the eighth-year head coach remembered.
Plotkin recalled one instance that took place after last season ended. The transfer portal opened that day, which, as Plotkin explained, meant coaches everywhere were getting phone calls from players announcing their intent to transfer.
“I received a text message most coaches don’t want to receive: ‘Hey coach, do you have a minute to chat?’” he said.
“When he answered, I said, ‘Hey Chase, what’s up?’” he continued. “And he said, ‘Hey coach, I just wanted to thank you.’ And I go, ‘And?’ And he said, ‘Nothing, I just wanted to thank you and the coaching staff for everything you’ve done for our team this spring.’ I had never received a phone call like that before, it completely knocked me off my feet.”
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Chase was the son of former NFL and CFL player Milt Stegall, who spent 14 seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Mitt, 55, released a statement on June 7 via X, thanking the public for their support.
“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,” he wrote. “Please continue to keep us in your prayers. We feel them. And I hope to see you all again soon.”
