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Footballer-turned-porn actor Oliver Spedding has died aged 34.
Spedding, who was known in the adult industry as Damian Oliver, was a prospect in Crystal Palace's academy as a teenager. He didn't make it in the professional game and after a stint in prison, he begun his X-rated career.
The defender did continue to play non-league football – and his former club Croydon FC announced last Friday (November 17) he'd passed away, two months on from claims he lied about porn star partner Sophie Anderson dying.
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"Croydon FC are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former player, Oliver Spedding," a post on social media read. "Oliver played for the club over a couple of spells and was a much-loved individual who always gave his utmost 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. Rest in Peace, Ollie. Once a Tram, always a Tram."
Reacting to the shock news, club manager Liam Giles revealed Spedding was considering another spell with them. He wrote: "Such heartbreaking news, Ollie was a warrior on the pitch and gave 100 per cent every time he represented Croydon FC.
"We spoke a couple of weeks ago about him getting back into football. I hope you find your peace, mate – sleep tight."
Croydon went on to beat Meridian FC in the London Senior Trophy at the weekend, with the victory dedicated to Spedding. Former team-mate Kieran Rufus commented: "That win and that clean sheet were for Ollie today.
"He would of loved that and finishing with the song HE started at Croydon. That is all today. RIP bro, watching down on us helped us get the win for you and your family."
Spedding met partner Anderson while on set, striking up a romance with her. He opened up on his experiences on the Anything Goes with James English podcast in July of last year – expressing some regret with his career decision.
He said: "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."
- Crystal Palace FC
- Premier League
- Non-League Football
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