Olivia Knighton was the 11-year-old daughter of Brad Knighton, a former goalkeeper for the New England Revolution soccer team. She died in a tragic boating accident near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on July 19, 2023. Olivia was among nine people who were thrown overboard when their boat was hit by a large wake from another boat.
She was struck by the propeller and later succumbed to her injuries at McLeod Seacoast Hospital. She is survived by her parents, Britney and Brad Knighton, and her two brothers, Owen and Brooks.
Early Life and Education
Olivia Knighton was born on November 3, 2011, in Massachusetts. She was the eldest daughter of Brad and Britney Knighton, who met in college and got married in 2009. Brad Knighton is a former professional soccer player who played for the New England Revolution for 12 seasons. He retired in 2022 and became a coach for the team. Britney Knighton is a stay-at-home mom who also runs a photography business.
Olivia was very close with her two younger brothers, Owen and Brooks. She was a bright and cheerful girl who loved soccer, music, art, and animals. She was a fifth-grader at Robert Coelho Middle School in Attleboro, where she was a popular and well-liked student. She also played soccer for the Attleboro Youth Soccer Association and was a fan of the Revolution.
Parents
Olivia Knighton was the daughter of Brad Knighton and Britney Knighton. Brad Knighton is a retired MLS player who played for several teams, including the New England Revolution, Vancouver Whitecaps, and Philadelphia Union. He is currently the head coach of the Revolution’s U19 academy team. Britney Knighton is a devoted mother and wife who supported her husband’s career and raised their three children.
Boyfriend
Olivia Knighton did not have a boyfriend at the time of her death. She was too young to date and focused on her studies and hobbies.
Death Cause and Boat Accident
On July 19, 2023, Olivia and her family were on vacation in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. They were on a 23-foot boat with 12 people on board, cruising on the Intracoastal Waterway near Little River. According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, another boat passed by and created a large wake that caused their boat to rock violently. Nine of the passengers, including Olivia, were thrown overboard into the water.
Olivia was hit by the propeller of their boat and suffered severe injuries. She was taken to McLeod Seacoast Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. No one else was injured in the incident. The authorities are still investigating the circumstances of the accident.
Olivia’s death shocked and saddened her family, friends, schoolmates, and the soccer community. Her father posted a heartfelt tribute to his daughter on Instagram, saying that she was “a bright and pure light” who loved soccer and the Revolution with all her heart. He also thanked everyone for their support and prayers.
The New England Revolution also released a statement expressing their condolences to the Knighton family. They said that Olivia was “a bright and shining light who was a beloved presence around the Revolution throughout her entire life” and that her sudden loss left “a profound hole in their hearts”. They also announced that they would honor Olivia with a moment of silence before their next home game.
The Robert Coelho Middle School also offered grief counseling to students, families, and staff affected by Olivia’s death. They said that Olivia was “a wonderful young lady who will be greatly missed by all who knew her”.
Education
Olivia Knighton was a fifth-grade student at Attleboro’s Coelho Middle School in Massachusetts. She was a brilliant and diligent student who loved learning new things. She was also a friendly and popular student who made friends easily and participated in various activities.
BIO/WIKI
| Real Name | Olivia Knighton |
| Death Cause | Boat Accident |
| Age | 11 years old (at the time of death) |
| Birth Date | November 3, 2011 |
| Death Date | July 19, 2023 |
| Birth Place | Massachusetts |
| Gender | Female |
| Nationality | American |
| Father | Brad Knighton |
| Mother | Britney Knighton |
| Siblings | Owen and Brooks |
| Height | In feet: 4′ 11″ In centimeters: 149 cm In meters: 1.49 m |
| Weight | Kg: 32 Pounds: 70 lbs |
| Eyes | Brown |
| Hair | Blonde |
| School | Attleboro’s Coelho Middle School |
| oliviaknighton | |
| Homepage | Dreshare.com |
Facts about Olivia Knighton
- Olivia was born on November 3, 2011, which made her a Scorpio.
- She had two younger brothers named Owen and Brooks.
- She loved soccer and played for the Attleboro Youth Soccer Association.
- Olivia was a fan of the New England Revolution and often visited their stadium and training facility with her father.
- Knighton also enjoyed music, art, and animals.
- Olivia had blonde hair and brown eyes.
- She was a fifth-grader at Robert Coelho Middle School in Attleboro.
- Olivia was a popular and well-liked student who had many friends.
- She died in a boating accident near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on July 19, 2023.
- She was hit by the propeller of their boat after being thrown overboard by a large wake from another boat.
- Olivia was 11 years old when she passed away.
FAQs
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Who was Olivia Knighton?
Knighton was the 11-year-old daughter of Brad Knighton, a former goalkeeper for the New England Revolution soccer team. She died in a tragic boating accident near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on July 19, 2023.
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How did Olivia Knighton die?
Olivia died after being hit by the propeller of their boat, which was rocked by a large wake from another boat. She was among nine people who were thrown overboard into the water. She was taken to McLeod Seacoast Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
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Who are Olivia Knighton’s parents?
Knighton’s parents are Brad and Britney Knighton. Brad Knighton is a former professional soccer player who played for the New England Revolution for 12 seasons. He retired in 2022 and became a coach for the team. Britney Knighton is a stay-at-home mom who also runs a photography business.
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What did Olivia Knighton like to do?
Olivia liked to play soccer, listen to music, make art, and spend time with animals. She also loved to watch the New England Revolution with her father and visit their stadium and training facility.
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How old was Olivia Knighton when she died?
Knighton was 11 years old when she died. She was born on November 3, 2011, and died on July 19, 2023.
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