IN November 2023, former Crystal Palace footballer Oliver Spedding died aged 34.
His former club Croydon FC announced his death in a tribute shared online.
Who was Oliver Spedding?
Oliver Spedding, 34, was a former footballer.
After giving a career in the sport a try and a stint in jail, Oliver became a painter and decorator before going into adult entertainment.
He was known in the adult industry as Damian Oliver.
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In July 2022, he opened up on his experiences on the Anything Goes with James English podcast - expressing some regret about his career choice.
He revealed he was paid just £150 per movie and often regretted turning his back on a potential career at Selhurst Park.
He recalled: "That was terrifying, being on my first set.
"People used to say to me, 'You're doing it all anyway', because they knew I used to sleep with girls, I was a player - and they said, 'You might as well get paid for it'.
"But it wasn't until I had the confidence to actually do it - it was a whole different ball game."
He added: "When I was at Crystal Palace, if I'd have stayed with them, then I could have been earning a lot more playing football.
"I used to fight as well, maybe that could have gone somewhere.
"I was good at both of those things, but being a porn star, I thought that would be just as good - but it's not as good as people think."
Who did Oliver Spedding play for?
Oliver was a prospect in Crystal Palace's academy as a teenager.
However, he didn't make it into the professional game before his time behind bars.
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After his release, he continued to play non-league football with Croydon FC.
Who was Oliver Spedding's girlfriend Sophie Anderson?
In December 2023, just two weeks after his passing, grieving girlfriend Sophie Anderson, died aged 34.
Oliver met Sophie while on set of an adult film, striking up a romance with her.
Sophie had been working as an adult actress since 2017 and became a big name in the industry after a video with fellow actress Rebecca More went viral the following year.
Following her passing, ex-adult star Rebecca wrote: “I’m devastated hearing the awful news of Sophie’s passing.
“We shared some amazing times together and that’s how I’m going to remember her.
“The bubbly, funny, kind hearted soul who was outrageous on the outside but also so gentle behind closed doors.
“We were very close, and we shared a crazy time together that was totally unique to us. That’s how I will remember her.
“This is so tragic but I know you are now at peace. I will always love you and hold a special place in my heart.”
How did Oliver Spedding die?
Oliver's former club Croydon FC announced his passing and held a minute's silence before their match on Saturday, November 18, 2023.
A statement read: "Oliver played for the club over a couple of spells and was a much loved individual who always gave his utmost effort for the team.
"Oliver will be hugely missed by everyone at the club and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."
Referring to the club's nickname, the club added: "Rest in Peace, Ollie. Once a Tram, always a Tram."
At the time of writing, his cause of death remains unknown.
