the ex’s daughter New England Revolution Goaltender Brad Knighton tragically died in a boating accident in South Carolina on Wednesday, family members and officials confirmed. She was only 11 years old.
Olivia Knighton died in a boating accident on the Intracoastal Waterway in Little River after the 23-foot boat she was riding in was «rocked by a large wake,» which was caused by another passing boat, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources he said on Thursday.
New England Revolution goalie Brad Knighton, #18, covers the ball during a game between the New England Revolution and Charlotte FC on April 16, 2022 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
According to authorities, the wake caused all 12 passengers on the boat to fall overboard.
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Olivia was struck by the boat’s propeller and later died as a result of her injuries. No other injuries were reported.
Knighton, who retired from major league soccer earlier this year, he confirmed his daughter’s death with a statement posted on social media.
«There are no words to express the depth of our deep pain and sadness at this time.» Knighton wrote.
«Our family is still in shock from the sudden and tragic loss of our beautiful, brilliant daughter, Olivia, in an unfortunate boating accident yesterday. We are all still in disbelief that her bright, pure light was taken from us so suddenly.»
New England goalie Brad Knighton, #18, warms up before the start of the MLS game between the New England Revolution and Atlanta United FC on July 17, 2021 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. (Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
«Somehow, we’ll get through this together as a family.»
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Knighton said her daughter loved soccer and the Revolution, where she played most of her professional career. The team also issued a statement on social media on Thursday.
«Olivia was a bright, shining light who was a beloved presence around Revolution throughout her life, always bringing a warm smile and laughter to Gillette Stadium and our training facilities when she visited,» the soccer club said.
New England Revolution goalie Brad Knighton, #18, grabs a cross during a game between the New England Revolution and Chicago Fire FC on March 7, 2020 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
«His sudden loss leaves a deep void in our hearts.»
He New England Patriots he also tweeted his condolences.
«We are heartbroken by this devastating news and extend our deepest condolences to the Knighton family and the Revolution organization.»
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Knighton announced his retirement in January after a 16-year career. He played 12 seasons in New England in two seasons, a club record. He helped the Revolution reach the MLS Cup Finals in 2007 and 2014.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, #9 of the Los Angeles Galaxy, makes a shot on goal and Brad Knighton, #18 of the New England Revolution, makes a great save during the Los Angeles Galaxy vs. New England Revolution MLS game at Dignity Health Sports Park on June 2, 2019 in Carson, California. New England Revolution won the match 2-1. (Shaun Clark/Getty Images)
With Knighton between the posts, New England was also awarded the Supporters’ Shield in 2021 for having the best regular-season record.
He currently serves as the Under-17 head coach of Revolution Academy.