Former Nottingham Forest player Derrick Otim has died at the age of 24, in  a drowning accident in the US.

Otim was visiting friends at Lake Keowee in South Carolina after recently graduating from Xavier University in Ohio.

His former club Forest posted a tribute on Twitter: "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.”

Former Forest team-mate Matty Cash said: "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 have also posted tributes.

One wrote: "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."

While another posted: "Devastated to hear of the passing of Derrick Otim. A wonderfully talented footballer and an incredible human being. Life can be unbearably cruel."

And a third tweeted: "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."

Lake Keowee was once called the 'most deadly body of water’ in the state in a US news report, after 32 people had died over 25 years.

Otim played for Forest’s academy side before heading to the US for university.

He is said to have been a regular in the starting 11 for Xavier University.