MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA: The circumstances surrounding Brad Knighton's daughter Olivia's tragic death are still unclear. The former MLS goalkeeper paid tribute to his 11-year-old daughter on Instagram after she was devastatingly killed last week. The family is still in shock at the tragic loss of their "beautiful and brilliant daughter."
A dozen individuals were on a 23-foot boat with Olivia when it was rocked by a big wake left by another boat on Wednesday in Horry County. She was one of nine people who fell overboard and was hit by a propeller. According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, she was the only one hurt, and the reasons for the tragedy are still unclear, reported Daily Mail.
How did Brad Knighton's daughter Olivia die?
Olivia, who "was a huge soccer fan, her favorite team being her dad's team," was hit by a propeller and died as a result of her injuries when her boat "was rocked by a large wake caused by another boat, resulting in nine of the 12 occupants going overboard," according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, as per People. But Daily Mail reported that the circumstances surrounding the accident are still unclear.
'Rest in Peace Olivia Grace Knighton'
Knighton, a former player for the New England Revolution, posted a photo of her along with a link to an obituary on his Instagram profile. Brad said in the tragic Instagram post, "Rest in Peace Olivia Grace Knighton. We will love you always and forever our sweet angel."
'Sweetest heart!'
The comment section was flooded with condolences for Knighton's family from friends, family, and other acquaintances alike. AJ DeLaGarza, a former professional soccer player called Olivia, "Sweetest heart!!!" Another user said, "We love and miss you Olivia! you will forever be Matthew's truest, best friend." "My heart has been aching since the news. I am so sorry for your loss, my love goes to you and your family in this terribly difficult time," wrote another user. "When God needs you for a higher purpose he calls you home. Praying for you and your family" claimed another. "Thinking of her beautiful smile sending all of our love," noted another.
