Cause of death for DePaul soccer player Chase Stegall listed as sudden unexpected death in epilepsy

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office has listed the cause of death for DePaul University men’s soccer player Chase Stegall as "sudden unexpected death in epilepsy," classifying the death as natural, the university and local authorities confirmed.

DePaul announced Stegall’s death in early June, saying the 20-year-old sophomore had been found in his residence hall on the university’s Lincoln Park campus. No cause of death was released at the time. Stegall appeared in 16 games last season for the Blue Demons, registering nearly 400 minutes on the field and scoring one goal, against Drake.

School officials described Stegall as a "cherished member" of the DePaul community and a "dedicated teammate and kind-hearted friend." The student-run newspaper The DePaulia reported at the time of his death that he had been found in his residence hall.

The medical examiner’s determination of "sudden unexpected death in epilepsy" aligns with terminology used when a person with epilepsy dies suddenly and no other cause is found. The classification is commonly abbreviated as SUDEP. The office ruled the manner of death natural.

Stegall, a sophomore forward, saw an expanded role in his second year after not seeing game action as a freshman. He totaled almost 400 minutes of playing time during the season and had one goal on his collegiate record. DePaul released statements expressing condolences to his family, teammates and the campus community.

Stegall was the son of former professional football player Milton Stegall. No further public comment from his family was available at the time of the medical examiner’s report.

University officials and athletic department personnel confirmed the medical examiner’s finding to news outlets. The release of the cause of death comes months after the university announced Stegall’s passing and follows the routine course of postmortem investigation and reporting by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Teammates, coaches and campus groups have previously commemorated Stegall in social media posts and campus vigils, and the program said it would continue to support players and staff affected by his loss. The DePaul men’s soccer program did not immediately announce any memorial events or changes to its schedule related to the finding.

The medical examiner’s report closed an open question about the immediate cause of Stegall’s death. DePaul’s athletic department said it would continue to provide resources to students and the team while remembering Stegall’s contributions on and off the field.