Former Arsenal youth player and Birmingham City defender Sam Oji has died at the age of 35.
Oji, who is the cousin of singer Lemar, started his career with the Gunners in 2000 but signed for Birmingham after failing to progress to the first-team.
Most recently, Oji was working as assistant manager at non-league outfit Highgate United, who play in the ninth tier of English football. The club said Oji was 'extremely ill' on Friday night but was 'fighting like a warrior' before confirming his death on Saturday night.
On Friday, they wrote: 'There has been various comments posted across social media throughout the day with regards the welfare of Samuel Oji.
'Sam is extremely ill but still fighting like the warrior that he is.'
In a statement on Saturday, the club said: 'All it is with a very heavy heart that I am deeply saddened to inform you, that our beloved Captain, Leader and Legend Samuel Oji has sadly passed away.
'The thoughts of all at Highgate United FC are with Sam’s wife, children and family at this very sad time. RIP Oji.;
Oji spent four years with the midlands clubs and enjoyed loan spells with Doncaster Rovers, Bristol Rovers and Leyton Orient - who he signed for permanently in 2008.
Birmingham paid tribute to their former player, tweeting: 'The Club is devastated to hear of the passing of former player Sam Oji, aged 35. The thoughts of everyone at #BCFC are with Sam's family and friends at this extremely difficult time.'
Leyton Orient also tweeted and said their thoughts are with Oji's family.
The wrote: 'We're deeply saddened to learn the news that former player Sam Oji has passed away. Our thought are with Sam's nearest and dearest in this difficult time. Rest in peace, Sam.'