Former MLS goalkeeper Brad Knighton’s daughter, 11, has died after falling into the water after being hit by a propeller in a South Carolina boating accident.
Olivia was one of nine people who fell off the boat and were then hit by a driver.Authorities say the circumstances surrounding the accident remain unclear.Newstimesuk.com provides all the latest international sports news.
The 11-year-old daughter of a former MLS player died in a South Carolina boating accident after being struck by a propeller.
Olivia, the daughter of retired New England Revolution goalie Brad Knighton, was one of a dozen people aboard a 23-foot boat in Horry County Wednesday when the vessel rocked in a ‘large wake caused by another boat,’ the state Department of Natural Resources said Friday.
Olivia was one of nine people who fell off the boat and were hit by a propeller as a result. He was the only person injured, according to the department, which says the circumstances of the crash remain unclear.
‘There are no words to express the depth of our grief and sorrow at this moment,’ read a note posted on Brad’s Instagram page.
‘Our family is still grieving the sudden and tragic loss of our beautiful and talented daughter Olivia in an unfortunate boating accident yesterday. We are still in disbelief that his bright and pure light was suddenly taken from us. Somehow we will get through this together as a family.
Olivia (her birthday photo) is 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 paid tribute to his daughter Olivia on his Instagram page after the accident
‘Olivia loved football and revolution with all her heart. Our family has always felt your support behind us throughout my career. We need you and your prayers with us now more than ever.’
The tribute was signed by Brad, his wife Brittany and their sons Wayne and Brooks.
Knighton played in the MLS from 2007 to 2022, when he became the Foxboro, Massachusetts-based Revolution’s youth academy manager.
The team also honored Olivia this week.
‘Olivia was a bright and shining light who was a beloved presence around the Revolution throughout her life, always bringing a warm smile and laugh to Gillette Stadium and our training facility when she visited,’ read a team statement posted on Instagram. ‘His sudden loss leaves a deep hole in our hearts.’
Share or comment on this article:
Read Full News Here