It has been confirmed that former Nottingham Forest player Derrick Otim dies aged 24 as ex-teammate Matty Cash pays tribute to him.
The English-born Ghanaian footballer is said to have drowned in Lake Keowee based in South Carolina according to reports in the United States of America.
Otim’s former team-mate Cash posted on his Twitter account, saying he “always brought a smile to everyone’s face”.
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
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”.
The midfielder had recently graduated from Xavier University – and is claimed to have been visiting friends in South Carolina.
Fans also took to social media after reading that the former Nottingham Forest player dies aged 24…
YouTuber Mr Dore: “Just heard some sad news. Former #NFFC Academy player Derrick Otim past away.
“Use to live few doors from me in st Ann’s. So sad to hear.”
Twitter user @Inzy213 wrote: “Devastated to hear of the passing of Derrick Otim.
“A wonderfully talented footballer and an incredible human being. Life can be unbearably cruel.”
Kwame Thomas said: “R.I.P brother, growing up was always the bench mark of where we all tried to get to.
“But forgetting football the most gentle + kind human being there is!
“Prayers up for you and your family at this devastating time.”
Isaac Currie tweeted: “Devastating news. You inspired so many growing up and I’m proud to have been your friend and teammate.
“Will hold the memories close to me for life. Had such a bright future in and out the game and you could never meet a nicer person!!
“Rest in peace brother.”
One of the player’s close friends added: “My heart is breaking Dez..For you, for your family & all your many many friends.
“A smile that could light up any room. A personality that noone could pick faults with.
“The kindest most gentle soul i ever had the pleasure of meeting. Rest easy my wonderful friend.”
Otim was part of Nottingham Forest’s academy as a youngster, however he chose to move abroad to USA for university, which he is said to have recently graduated from.
Otim was on social media as recent as the 2nd of July, posting about Liverpool’s big 4-0 defeat at Man City.
Back in 2018, Lake Keowee was described as South Carolina’s “most deadly body of water”. At the time of writing, 32 people have unfortunately died in a 25-year span.
My heart is breaking Dez..For you, for your family & all your many many friends. A smile that could light up any room. A personality that noone could pick faults with. The kindest most gentle soul i ever had the pleasure of meeting. Rest easy my wonderful friend ❤? @derrickotim pic.twitter.com/sf1rhifaGS
— Sian Summerfield (@_siaanx) July 5, 2020
Just heard some sad news ?
Former #NFFC Academy player Derrick Otim past away ?
Use to live few doors from me in st Ann’s? lovely lad with a great family aswell ?So sad to hear ? pic.twitter.com/zHPMGpK4Q3
— Mr Dore (@MrDore_) July 4, 2020
Wow, RIP Derrick Otim, one of the 1st to welcome me to Nottingham & show me around the club & city. Genuine good guy, thoughts with his family ?? #NFFC
— James Thorne (@J_Thorneyy) July 5, 2020
Heart breaking to hear one of my best mates from secondary school has passed away. Anyone who knew him would know how much of a loving and kind person he was. His talents with a football was unbelievable. Was a brother to me. Prayers are with his wonderful family. RIP Derrick ❤️ pic.twitter.com/5aSLeKDQeS
— Brandon (@brandonJLchambs) July 4, 2020
Life really is so cruel. I will miss you Del more than you will ever know. Nothing but amazing memories with you and I will never forget your gorgeous smile, infectious laugh and genuine kind soul. We really are all heartbroken. Sleep tight Derrick Otim love and miss you always❤️ pic.twitter.com/ZeEThVF9KL
— Ellie Smith (@ell_smith96) July 5, 2020
Devastating news. You inspired so many growing up and I’m proud to have been your friend and teammate. Will hold the memories close to me for life. Had such a bright future in and out the game and you could never meet a nicer person!! Rest in peace brother #DerrickOtim pic.twitter.com/KQEGZUTZ9E
— Isaac Currie (@Isaac_Currie) July 4, 2020
Derrick was one of the humblest, hard working and clean hearted young brothers around! Had a big future ahead of you man, Love Forever Homey ??⚽? Rest In Peace #Derrickotim ?? pic.twitter.com/Bx8rH7b1nb
— Malachi Lavelle – Moore ? (@MalachiLM) July 4, 2020
Still can’t believe it mate! So very sad ?
— Simon Gregory (@SiGreg39) July 5, 2020
Incredibly sad. ?
— Richard Elliott (@elliott4sho) July 5, 2020
Can’t believe it! Thinking of all his friends and family Matty! ?
— Becky Langley (@BeckyLangley4) July 5, 2020
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