Ex-MLS goalkeeper Brad Knighton’s daughter, 11, is killed in South Carolina boating accident after being struck by a propeller when she fell into the water

The 11-year-old daughter of a former MLS player has died in a South Carolina boating accident after being struck by a propeller.

Retired New England Revolution goalie Brad Knighton’s daughter Olivia was one of a dozen people on a 23-foot boat in Horry County on Wednesday when the vessel was rocked by a ‘large wake caused by another boat,’ the state’s Department of Natural Resources reported Friday.

Olivia was one of nine people who fell off the boat and she was struck by a propeller. She was the only person injured, according to the Department, which says the circumstances of the accident remain unclear.

‘There are no words to express the depth of our profound grief and sorrow in this moment,’ read a note posted on Brad’s Instagram page.

‘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 still in disbelief that her bright and pure light was taken from us so suddenly. Somehow we will get through this together as a family.

Brad Knight’s Instagram page is full of pictures of his family, including 11-year-old Olivia 

Brad Knight posted a tribute to his daughter Olivia on his Instagram page after the accident 

‘Olivia loved soccer and the Revolution with all of her heart. Our family always felt your support behind us during my career. We will need you and your prayers with us now more than ever.’

The tribute was signed by Brad, his wife Britney and their sons, Owen and Brooks.

Knighton played in the MLS from 2007 until 2022, when he became a youth academy manager for the Foxborough, Massachusetts-based Revolution.

The team also honored Olivia this week.

‘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,’ read a team statement posted on Instagram. ‘Her sudden loss leaves a profound hole in our hearts.’