Former Xavier soccer standout Derrick Otim dies in swimming accident

Xavier University announced Sunday that former men's soccer standout Derrick Otim died over the weekend in a swimming accident. 

Otim, a native of Nottingham, England, was 24 years old. 

"Better known to all of us as Del, Derrick exemplified the spirit and hard work of a Xavier student-athlete. Not only did Del excel on the field of play, but his perseverance through off-the-field challenges demonstrated his character. The entire Xavier family grieves for Del and his family," the Xavier athletic communications office said in a statement. 

Xavier men's soccer coach Andy Fleming released a statement Sunday night: “Del was beloved and one of the most popular student-athletes on our campus. He is what’s great about college sports. Fled his native country as a refugee, settled in England, came to the U.S. on a scholarship. The growth he showed socially, academically and as a young man was amongst the most impressive I’ve seen in my 25 years of coaching." 

Fleming said it was easy to see how proud Otim was of earning his degree from Xavier. 

"On the field, he was a four-year mainstay and an all-time Xavier great and part of two top-25 and one top-10 ranked team during his tenure. He was very consistent and professional in his daily approach and one of the most respected opponents in the Big East. Our program raising money to fly his family over for our senior day last fall will forever be one of the great stories in my experience as a coach. We have a lot of sad people in our soccer family today and we will play for Del this coming fall and beyond." 

Otim played in 70 matches during his four-year career with the Musketeers, totaling seven goals and nine assists. The midfielder was named All-Big East third team in 2019.

Memorial service information is not available at this time.