Daughter of longtime former MLS goalkeeper, 11, killed in boating accident in South Carolina

The daughter of former longtime New England Revolution goalkeeper Brad Knighton tragically died in a boating accident in South Carolina on Wednesday, household and officers confirmed. She was simply 11-years-old. 

Olivia Knighton was killed in a boating accident on the Intracoastal Waterway in Little River after the 23-foot boat she was on was “rocked by a big wake,” which was attributable to one other passing boat, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources mentioned Thursday. 

New England Revolution goalkeeper Brad Knighton, #18, covers the ball throughout a match between the New England Revolution and Charlotte FC on April16, 2022, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Pictures)

In keeping with officers, the wake precipitated all 12 passengers on the boat to go overboard. 

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Olivia was struck by the boat’s propeller and later died on account of her accidents. No different accidents had been reported.

Knighton, who retired from Major League Soccer earlier this 12 months, confirmed his daughter’s passing with an announcement posted to social media. 

“There are not any phrases to precise the depth of our profound grief and sorrow on this second.” Knighton wrote. 

“Our household continues to be in shock on the sudden and tragic lack of our stunning and good daughter, Olivia, to an unlucky boating accident yesterday. We’re all nonetheless in disbelief that her vibrant and pure gentle was taken away from us so immediately.”

New England goalkeeper Brad Knighton, #18, warms up previous to the beginning of the MLS match between the New England Revolution and Atlanta United FC on July 17, 2021 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. (Wealthy von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Pictures)

“Someway, we’ll get by way of this collectively as a household.”

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Knighton mentioned his daughter had a love for soccer and the Revolution, the place he spent nearly all of his skilled profession taking part in. The staff additionally issued an announcement to social media on Thursday. 

“Olivia was a vibrant and shining gentle who was a beloved presence across the Revolution all through her complete life, at all times bringing a heat smile and snigger to Gillette Stadium and our coaching facility when she would go to,” the soccer membership mentioned. 

New England Revolution goalkeeper Brad Knighton, #18, grabs a cross throughout a match between the New England Revolution and Chicago Fireplace FC on March 7, 2020, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Pictures)

“Her sudden loss leaves a profound gap in our hearts.”

The New England Patriots additionally tweeted their condolences. 

“We’re heartbroken by this devastating information and lengthen our sincerest sympathies to the Knighton household and the Revolution group.”

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Knighton introduced his retirement in January after a 16-year profession. He performed 12 seasons in New England throughout two stints, a membership file. He helped the Revolution attain the MLS Cup Finals in 2007 and 2014. 

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, #9 of Los Angeles Galaxy, takes a shot on objective and Brad Knighton, #18 of New England Revolution, makes a giant save in the course of the Los Angeles Galaxy’s MLS match towards New England Revolution on the Dignity Well being Sports activities Park on June 2, 2019 in Carson, California.  New England Revolution received the match 2-1. (Shaun Clark/Getty Pictures)

With Knighton between the posts, New England was additionally awarded the Supporters’ Protect in 2021 for having the perfect common season file. 

He presently serves because the Revolution Academy’s Below-17 head coach.