Daughter of former Revolution goalkeeper dies in South Carolina boating accident

ATTLEBORO, Mass. (WLNE) — The daughter of a former goalkeeper for the New England Revolution soccer team died in a tragic boating accident in South Carolina on Wednesday.

According to the family of former goalkeeper Brad Knighton, 11-year-old Olivia Knighton fell into the water with several other people who were thrown from their boat after it was rocked by the wake of another boat passing by.

Authorities said Olivia was struck by a propeller on the boat in the water and was later pronounced dead. No other injuries were reported from the incident.

“Our family is still in shock at the sudden and tragic loss of our beautiful and brilliant daughter, Olivia,” the Knighton family partly wrote in a statement.

https://twitter.com/NERevolution/status/1682064062144716801

The Revolution team shows support for the family, calling Olivia, “a bright and shining star who was a beloved presence throughout her entire life.”

Olivia was a student at Coelho Middle School in Attleboro. Her school shared the following statement after learning of her passing:

“We are saddened by the loss to our school community and our thoughts and prayers are with the Knighton family during this difficult time.”

Grief counseling services with school adjustment counselors and local community agencies will be available on Monday at the middle school between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.

WPDE contributed to this report.