Officials reported that Olivia Knighton, daughter of former goalkeeper Brad Knighton, tragically passed away Wednesday afternoon
following an incident on the Intracoastal Waterway in Little River, located north of Myrtle Beach.
According to investigators, it seems that a 23-foot boat carrying 12 people was navigating the Intracoastal Waterway
when a significant wake from another boat rocked it, causing nine individuals, including Olivia, to be thrown overboard.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources confirmed that the girl was struck by a propeller and tragically succumbed to her injuries.
Thankfully, no one else was injured in the incident.
"Our family is still in shock at the sudden and tragic loss of our beautiful and brilliant daughter, Olivia, to an unfortunate boating accident (Wednesday)," Brad Knighton posted on Instagram.
"We are all still in disbelief that her bright and pure light was taken away from us so suddenly."
Olivia, a fifth-grader at Coelho Middle School in Attleboro, was remembered by Principal Andrew Boles
as an exceptional student who embraced friendship with everyone and actively participated in various clubs and activities.