Former Nottingham Forest footballer Derrick Otim has died at the age of 24 after drowning in Lake Keowee in North Carolina, USA while visiting friends, reports claim.
The English-born Ghanaian midfielder’s demise was confirmed by his former teammate Matty Cash who in an emotional tribute, said the late footballer ‘always brought a smile to everyone’s face’.
Matty Cash tweeted: “RIP Del, can’t believe I’m writing this, Such a top lad who always brought a smile to everyone’s face when around him, RIP.”
RIP del , can’t believe I’m writing this , Such a top lad who always brought a smile to everyone’s face when around him , RIP 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/cGJzGdrlcE
— Matty Cash (@mattycash622) July 5, 2020
A statement from Nottingham Forest read: “Rest in peace, Derrick. “NFFC are saddened to learn of the passing of former academy player Derrick Otim. “The thoughts of everyone at the club go out to his friends and family at this tragic time.
Rest in peace, Derrick ❤️
#NFFC are saddened to learn of the passing of former academy player Derrick Otim.The thoughts of everyone at the club go out to his friends and family at this tragic time. pic.twitter.com/zqR5thSHlm
— Nottingham Forest FC (@NFFC) July 5, 2020
Otim was an English-born Ghanaian footballer whose breakthrough in football came in Nottingham Forest’s academy.
However, he moved to the United States to further his studies four years ago.
Otim was said to have recently graduated from Xavier University and was a regular starter on the pitch for the University.
