The DePaul community is mourning after the sudden death of a beloved student-athlete left a deep impact across campus.
Chase Stegall, a 20-year-old sophomore and men’s soccer player at DePaul University, died on the morning of June 2, 2025. The authorities found his body in his dorm room at the university’s Lincoln Park campus in Chicago.
As the son of former NFL and CFL standout Milton Stegall, the young athlete’s “unexpectedly” tragic passing has garnered attention far beyond the soccer field.
DePaul University President Rob Manuel stated that Chase was recognized for his “warmth, strength of character, and vibrant presence,” and these qualities made him beloved by his teammates, faculty members, and friends.
In an email addressed to students, faculty, and staff, Manuel expressed the university’s profound grief and extended condolences to Chase’s family.
The young athlete played as a midfielder and appeared in 16 of 17 matches for DePaul during the most recent season. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, he was widely admired for his dedication and sportsmanship.
Chase’s passing profoundly affected the athletic department, prompting a joint announcement from Vice President and Director of Athletics DeWayne Peevy and men’s soccer head coach Mark Plotkin.
Their message conveyed immense sorrow over his demise, describing him as a highly valued individual and a compassionate teammate. They also said that his absence would be acutely felt, and his enduring spirit would always resonate within the university.
The young athlete is survived by his parents, including his mother, Darlene, and his brother, Collin. His father, Milton, enjoyed a notable athletic career; after playing three seasons in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals, he became a CFL legend, earning induction into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2012.
In the wake of the tragedy, Collin shared a brief but emotional tribute via Instagram Stories, writing, “miss you already” alongside a team photo of Chase, which was a repost of what the DePaul Men’s Soccer team uploaded.
Collin Stegall’s Instagram story in memory of his brother, Chase, dated June 2, 2025 | Source: Instagram/collin_.h
The team expressed their profound sorrow at the passing of this young man and extended sincere sympathies to his family, friends, and all who knew and cared for Chase, adding that he would always remain “a Blue Demon.”
As of this writing, no additional public statements have been made by other family members. However, a birthday post from Chase’s mother, Darlene, last November offers a beautiful reflection on his character.
She encouraged her son to “Chase God. Chase goodness. Chase your dreams,” and concluded with, “It’s always been you for us. For 20 years. We love you, kid.”
At this time, details for a memorial service are pending, but this young man’s passing leaves a profound void, both on the field and in the lives of those who knew him.
Sadly, Chase isn’t the only soccer player who has died this year. As previously reported, Yvann Costa Martins, a 19-year-old under-19 player for the soccer club, UD Oliveirense, died in a violent car accident on the A41 near the Covelo tunnel in Gondomar, Portugal.
The crash occurred Friday morning and claimed the life of the young athlete, cutting short a promising career and leaving a deep impact on those who knew him.
Authorities received the alert at 8 a.m. Yvann was driving a BMW when it violently crashed and rolled over several times before stopping near the tunnel. Emergency responders arrived quickly but declared Yvann dead at the scene. His body was transferred to the Institute of Legal Medicine of Porto.
Yvann, born to Portuguese parents who had emigrated to Switzerland, previously played for Young Boys. This season, he appeared in 18 matches for UD Oliveirense’s under-19 team and scored against Pampilhosa.
Later that Friday, UD Oliveirense posted a condolence message on social media. “Yvann was much more than just a player. He was a humble, hardworking young man, always with a smile on his face,” they wrote. The club added that his memory will “live forever in the heart of our Union.”
União Desportiva Oliveirense, based in Oliveira de Azeméis and founded in 1922, announced on Sunday that funeral services for Yvann were held on Monday, March 24, in the parish of Romariz.
The wake would begin at 2 p.m. at the Romariz Funeral Chapel, followed by a 5 p.m. mass at the Romariz Main Church and burial at the local cemetery. The club invited all who wished to say goodbye to attend.
Oliveirense’s rival team brings a flower wreath for Yvann Martins’ tribute on March 23, 2025 | Source: Instagram/udoliveirense_sad
The team also held a tribute before a match between their under-18 squad and SC São João de Ver. Players wore black armbands and shirts honoring Yvann.
Oliveirense’s team members show a t-shirt for Yvann Martins’ tribute on March 23, 2025 | Source: Instagram/udoliveirense_sad
A minute of silence was observed, and Yvann’s No. 17 jersey was carried onto the field. The opposing team presented a wreath of flowers in his memory.
Just a year ago, Yvann spoke about his love for football while balancing an apprenticeship in retail management in Switzerland. “Football has a special place in my life,” he said, noting that discipline, heart, and determination were key to success.
His father, Gilberto Martins, proudly supported his journey, frequently sharing moments from his matches on social media. In the post about his son’s apprenticeship, the dad commented, “Not bad as an apprentice 😄.”
Our sincere condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.
