Detroit City FC mourns the loss of former player Derrick Otim

The Detroit News

Former Detroit City FC player Derrick Otim died over the weekend in a swimming accident, according to reports. He was 24.

The drowning occurred Friday at Lake Keowee in Pickens County, South Carolina, WSPA TV reported.

The midfielder/forward, who was also a standout at Xavier University in Cincinnati, featured for Le Rouge in 2017 when the team reached the National Premier Soccer League national semifinal. He scored the insura goal in a 3-1 victory over Grand Rapids FC before 5,144 spectators at Keyworth Stadium June 2, 2017.

Otim played in 70 matches in four years at Xavier, totaling seven goals and nine assists.

The Nottingham, England native was a member of Nottingham Forest FC academy system before coming to the U.S. to attend college.

Otim's death prompted an outpouring of tributes in his native England, including from Nottingham Forest star Matty Cash.