On July 19, a boat accident close to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, claimed the life of Olivia Knighton, the 11-year-old daughter of former Major League Soccer goalkeeper Brad Knighton.
Regarding the unfortunate incident, which is still being investigated, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources released a statement.
The Intracoastal Waterway in Little River was being used by a 23-foot boat carrying 12 people, according to the preliminary report.
One of the nine people who fell overboard was an 11-year-old girl who was “struck by a propeller and later died of her injuries,” as the boat was “rocked by a large wake caused by another boat.”
The statement said, “No one else was hurt in the incident.
They are still attempting to piece together the truth of what took place.
“There are no words to express the depth of our profound grief and sorrow in this moment,” Brad Knighton wrote in a brief message that was shared on social media.
“Our family is still in shock over the sudden and tragic loss of our beautiful and brilliant daughter, Olivia, to an unfortunate boating accident yesterday,” he continued. We are all still unable to believe that her beautiful and brilliant light left us so soon.
After 16 seasons, of which 12 were spent playing for the New England Revolution, Knighton announced his retirement in January 2023.
“Olivia loved soccer and the Revolution with all of her heart,” he continued. “Throughout my career, our family always felt your support behind us. More than ever, we will need your prayers and your support.
The jumbotron during New England Revolution’s game also featured an image of Olivia Knighton as a tribute to her life. “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 organization said.
Knighton retired after a very successful career in which he achieved top rankings for goals against average, save %, and victory percentage in 52 games. Knighton thanked his family in a touching statement that he put online.
I’m delighted that my kids Olivia, Owen, and Brooks have been able to share in this trip. I had the courage and belief to realize a potential I had no idea existed because I knew you were there, supporting me every day, he wrote.
Peace be with you, Olivia.
Our thoughts are with the bereaved family.
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