Family members and authorities have verified that the daughter of former veteran New England Revolution goalkeeper Brad Knighton tragically perished in a boating accident in South Carolina on Wednesday. She was only eleven years old.
According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Olivia Knighton was killed in a boating accident on the Intracoastal Waterway at Little River after the 23-foot boat she was in was “rocked by a large wake” that was produced by another passing boat.
All 12 of the boat’s passengers reportedly fell overboard due to the wake, according to the authorities.
Olivia was injured when the boat’s propeller struck her, and she eventually passed away from her wounds. There were no other recorded injuries.
In a statement shared on social media, Knighton, who left Major League Soccer earlier this year, acknowledged the death of his daughter.
There aren’t enough words to convey how deeply we are grieving and sad right now. Knighton penmaned.
“Our family is still in disbelief over the tragically sudden passing of our lovely and intelligent daughter, Olivia, in a boating accident yesterday. We are all still unable to believe that her beautiful and brilliant light left us so soon.
We will overcome this as a unit as a family, somehow.
Knighton claimed that his daughter shared his passion for soccer and the New England Revolution, where he played for most of his professional career. On Thursday, the group sent a statement to social media.
“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,” the football team said.
The New England Revolution, where Knighton spent the majority of his professional career as a player, and his love of soccer, he stated, were shared interests by his daughter. The group posted a message on social media on Thursday.
“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,” the football group said.
After a 16-year career, Knighton announced his retirement in January. He played a club record 12 seasons in New England across two spells. In 2007 and 2014, he assisted the Revolution in getting to the MLS Cup Finals.
New England won the Supporters’ Shield in 2021 for having the greatest regular season record while Knighton was in goal.
He is now the Under-17 head coach of the Revolution Academy.
