FORMER Nottingham Forest star Derrick Otim has died aged 24.
The English-born Ghanaian star drowned in Lake Keowee in North Carolina, USA while visiting friends – say reports in America.
Otim’s former Forest team-mate Cash was quick to pay tribute, saying he “always brought a smile to everyone’s face”.
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”.
Fans were quick to pay their respects, too.
One tweeted: “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.”
Another wrote: “Devastated to hear of the passing of Derrick Otim.
“A wonderfully talented footballer and an incredible human being. Life can be unbearably cruel.”
A third 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.”
Another 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.”
A close friend 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 Forest’s academy as a youngster but moved to American for university.
The midfielder is said to have recently graduated.
Otim was active on social media as recently as July 2, posting about Liverpool’s thumping defeat at Manchester City.
MORE TO FOLLOW…
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’sSo sad to hear
— Mr Dore (@MrDore_) 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
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
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
