Olivia Knighton, daughter of former Revolution goalkeeper Brad Knighton, killed in Myrtle Beach boat accident
MYRTLE BEACH – The 11-year-old daughter of longtime New England Revolution goalkeeper Brad Knighton, died in a boating accident north of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on Wednesday, according to authorities and the family.
Olivia Knighton died at McLeod Seacoast Hospital after the incident on Intracoastal Waterway near Little River.
Investigators with South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said Olivia was among nine people thrown overboard when their boat was hit by a large wake from another boat.
Officials said the 11-year-old was hit by the propeller. Twelve people were on a 23-foot boat at the time of the incident.
No one else was injured, officials said.
In a statement posted by Brad Knighton, her grieving family said, "There are no words to express the depth of our profound grief and sorrow in this moment. 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 all still in disbelief that her bright and pure light was taken away from us so suddenly. Somehow, we will get through this together as a family."
"Olivia loved soccer and the Revolution with all of her heart," he added. "Our family always felt your support behind us during my career. We will need you and your prayers with us now more than ever."
Olivia was a fifth grader at Robert Coelho Middle School where the Attleboro community is mourning a beloved student.
Sharing the grief is the New England Revolution.
In a statement, the Revs honored the little girl, saying, "The entire New England Revolution community is devastated to learn of the Knighton family's tragic loss," the team said. "Olivia was a bright and shining light who was a beloved presence around the Revolution throughout her entire life, always bringing a warm smile and laugh to Gillette Stadium and our training facility when she would visit. Her sudden loss leaves a profound hole in our hearts."
The school will have grief counselors available on Monday from 10 a.m. until noon.
Investigators say the boat accident is still under investigation.