Ghanaian footballer dead at 24 after drowning in ‘most deadly body of water’

Former Nottingham Forest Ghanaian footballer Derrick Otim in action [Image: Getty]

Former Nottingham Forest Ghanaian footballer Derrick Otim is dead.

Otim reportedly drowned in a lake in the United States, where he had moved to university four years ago.

Otim lost his life in Lake Keowee, South of Carolina – a lake described as South Carolina’s ‘most deadly body of water’ in a local publication. Over 25 years, more than 30 lives have been lost through tragedies involving the lake.

Otim lost his life in Lake Keowee [Image: StockPhoto]

According to English news outlets, Otim had just graduated from Xavier University - and had visited friends in South Carolina.

Nottingham Forest Football Club were among the first to pay tribute to the 24-year-old, who trained in its academy before pursuing further education.

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

Nottingham Forest stars also took to social media to pay tribute to Otim, most describing him as an individual who made people happy.

Forest star 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