The 11-year-old daughter of former MLS goalie Brad Knighton dies in a boating accident in South Carolina after being hit by a propeller while falling into the water
The 11-year-old daughter of former MLS goalie Brad Knighton dies in a boating accident in South Carolina after being hit by a propeller while falling into the water
- Olivia was one of nine people who fell off the boat and was then hit by a propeller
- According to the authorities, the circumstances of the accident are still unclear
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The 11-year-old daughter of a former MLS player has died in a boating accident in South Carolina after being hit by a propeller.
The daughter of retired New England Revolution goaltender Brad Knighton, Olivia, was one of a dozen people on a 23-foot boat in Horry County on Wednesday when the ship was rocked by a “large wake from another boat,” the state’s Department of Natural Resources reported Friday.
Olivia was one of nine people who fell off the boat and was hit by a propeller. According to the ministry, she was the only person injured. The circumstances of the accident are still unclear.
“There are no words to express the depth of our profound sorrow and sorrow at this moment,” Brad wrote in a note on his Instagram page.
“Our family is still in shock at the sudden and tragic loss of our beautiful and brilliant daughter Olivia to an unfortunate boating accident yesterday. We are still in disbelief that her bright and pure light was taken from us so suddenly. Somehow we will get through this together as a family.
Olivia (pictured on her birthday) was one of nine people who fell off a boat in South Carolina
Brad Knight’s Instagram page is full of pictures of his family, including 11-year-old Olivia
Brad Knight posted a tribute to his daughter Olivia on his Instagram page after the accident
“Olivia loved football and the revolution with all her heart. Our family has always felt your support behind us throughout my career. We will need you and your prayers now more than ever.”
The tribute was signed by Brad, his wife Britney and their sons Owen and Brooks.
Knighton played in MLS from 2007 to 2022 when he became youth academy manager for Foxborough, Massachusetts-based Revolution.
The team also honored Olivia this week.
“Olivia was a bright and radiant light who was a popular presence in the Revolution throughout her life, always bringing warm smiles and laughs to Gillette Stadium and our training facility with every visit,” read a team statement posted on Instagram. “Your sudden loss leaves a deep hole in our hearts.”