Ex Nottingham Forest Soccer Player Derrick Otim Dies at 24 –What Happened?

Ex Nottingham Forest soccer player, Derrick Otim, passed away at the young age of 24 after a tragic drowning incident in the United States.

The world has lost an undeniable talent in the person of soccer player Derrick Otim who died on Friday morning.

According to a news release by the Pickens Country Coroner's office, Derrick, an ex Nottingham Forest player, was visiting friends at The Cliffs waterfront in South Carolina, U.S, when he drowned.

As seen on Xavier University's soccer website, Otim played the position of a midfielder and, as a freshman, appeared in all 19 games and was number 5 on the team with a total of 8 points.

The 24-year-old reportedly drowned off a boat ramp at Lake Keowee. As reported by People Magazine, Otim recently graduated from Xavier University in May 2020 and was an exceptional player in their soccer team. The athletics department of the university mourned his demise with a heartfelt statement, calling him a "soccer standout," as they wrote:

"Derrick exemplified the spirit and hard work of a Xavier student-athlete. Not only did Del excel on the field of play, but his perseverance through off-the-field challenges demonstrated his character."

During his four-year tenure with them, he participated in seventy matches and delivered seven goals and nine assists, making him part of the All-BIG EAST Third Team last year.

Before the England Native transferred to the United States to further his education, he was an academy player with Nottingham Forest Club and the soccer team paid tribute to the late player via their official Twitter handle.

ESPN notes that his former teammate, Matty Cash, honored his late colleague, calling him "a top lad who always brought a smile to everyone's face." Also, Alana Crawford, a star player of the Nottingham Forest Women's team, had some kind words to say about her late colleague. She said:

"...everyone who knew you were so lucky to have known someone as lovely as you. There are literally no words."

As seen on Xavier University's soccer website, Otim played the position of a midfielder and, as a freshman, appeared in all 19 games and was number 5 on the team with a total of 8 points.

He maintained that rank throughout his years on the soccer team and made the BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll and All-BIG EAST Freshman Team in 2016. May his soul rest in peace.