Ex-MLS goalkeeper Brad Knighton pays heartbreaking tribute to daughter Olivia, 11, who

Former MLS goalkeeper Brad Knighton has paid tribute to his late daughter on Instagram after she was tragically killed last week at the age of 11.

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.

She was one of nine people who fell overboard 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.

Now, Knighton – who played for the New England Revolution – shared a picture of her on his Instagram page and linked to an obituary.

‘Rest in Peace Olivia Grace Knighton,’ Brad wrote in the heartbreaking Instagram post.

Brad Knighton has paid tribute to his late daughter Olivia, who died at the age of 11

Olivia (pictured at her birthday) was one of nine who fell off a boat in South Carolina 

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

‘We will love you always and forever our sweet angel.’

At the time of her death, Brad posted a statement on his Instagram that read: ‘There are no words to express the depth of our profound grief and sorrow in this moment.

‘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.

‘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.

‘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.

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

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.’