Former MLS player Brad Knighton shared an emotional message on social media after his 11-year-old daughter died in a boating accident in South Carolina earlier this week.
“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 all still in disbelief that her bright and pure light was taken away from us so suddenly,” the 38-year-old wrote in an Instagram post, which linked to her obituary.
“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. We love you, Olivia.
“We will love you always and forever our sweet angel.”
According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Olivia was hit by a propeller and died from her injuries after her boat — which was traveling in South Carolina’s Intracoastal Waterway — “was rocked by a large wake caused by another boat, resulting in nine of the 12 occupants going overboard.”
The U.S. Coast Guard is now taking over the investigation into the accident, ABC 4 in South Carolina reported Friday.
The New England Revolution, where Knighton spent 12 years as a goalie, and New York Red Bulls paid tribute to Olivia at a game last week.
The Revs held up a jersey in her honor while the Red Bull Arena scoreboard posted a tribute to Olivia.
New England also made T-shirts in her memory and held a moment of silence at Gillette Stadium.
Earlier this year, Knighton retired after 16 years to take become the Revs’ U-19 academy head coach.
He ended his career with a 32-26-20 record, 20-17-14 in New England.
He recorded 19 shutouts and 276 saves in 85 games (82 starts).
Knighton and his wife Britney also have two sons, Owen and Brooks.