Former Crystal Palace talent turned pornstar passes away age 34 - weeks after death hoax

Former Crystal Palace youth star Oliver Spedding, who became a well-known figure in the porn industry, has passed away at the age of 34.

The ex-Eagles youth product also played for Croydon and was the boyfriend of influencer and adult film star Sophie Anderson. Spedding's former club Croydon held a minute of silence before the side's meeting with Meridian VP FC last weekend.

The South London club's manager Liam Giles honoured a 'warrior on the pitch' ahead of the fixture. A club statement added: "Croydon FC are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former player, Oliver Spedding.

"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.

"There will be a minute’s silence at this Saturday's home match in memory of Oliver with a further tribute to his life to be announced in the coming weeks. Rest in Peace, Ollie. Once a Tram, always a Tram."

The Mirror reports that Spedding moved away from the football world having fallen out of love with the sport after serving time in prison, moving into adult entertainment.

On the Anything Goes with James English podcast, 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."

Following Spedding's death, Croydon manager Giles revealed that the two had talked about a return to football. In a post on X, he said: "Such heartbreaking news, Ollie was a warrior on the pitch and gave 100% every time he represented Croydon. We spoke a couple of weeks ago about him getting back into football. I hope you find your peace mate. Sleep Tight."

News of Spedding's passing comes just weeks after the former footballer began a death hoax online about his partner Anderson in September. The porn star had shared news that she had 'died unfortunately' and posted funeral arrangements.

Anderson's colleague and fellow influence Rebecca Moore, having spoken to the Metropolitan Police, was left to confirm that she was not dead. Spedding later posted a statement of apology, labelling the situation as a 'drunken joke' having spent 20 hours in a cell.

The two were recently seen together in a parody of popular film Saw, shared on Instagram. Spedding had also recently undergone surgery for a serious injury caused having 'fell four floors through a roof'.