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.
In a Twitter post late Sunday, Greg Christopher, Xavier's Director of Athletics and Vice President of Administration, wrote, "Heartbreaking loss for Del’s family, our student-athletes and all of (Xavier University).