Pro soccer player mourns Massachusetts girl killed in SC boating accident

A Major League Soccer veteran and father of an 11-year-old killed in a boating accident Wednesday took to social media to express his sorrow.

The Horry County Coroner’s Office identified Olivia Knighton, daughter of former MLS player Brad Knighton, as the the person killed in a Little River boating accident Wednesday.

The Massachusetts girl died after being struck by a boat propeller on the Intracoastal Waterway, officials said.

Olivia had been visiting family along with her parents and two younger brothers, according to an Instagram post from three weeks ago.

Brad Knighton, the girl’s father, posted to social media Thursday.

“There are no words to express the depth of our profound grief and sorrow in this moment,” Brad Knighton said in the statement.

“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,” the statement said.

Brad Knighton played soccer for UNC Wilmington and goaltended in the MLS for 16 years before his retirement this year.

The goalie’s former team, the New England Revolution, posted a tribute on social media as well.

“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.”