Family of 11-year-old Bristol County girl killed in fatal accident announces services, to be live streamed

Services have been announced for an 11-year-old Bristol County girl who recently died in a boating accident.

According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, initial information indicates that on July 19th, a 23-foot boat carrying 12 people was traveling on the Intracoastal Waterway in Little River in Horry County. The boat was rocked by a large wake caused by another boat, resulting in nine of the 12 occupants going overboard.

Olivia Knighton of Attleboro was struck by a propeller and later died of her injuries. Nobody else was injured in the incident.

Knighton is the daughter of former New England Revolution player Brad Knighton. He took to social media to share the news.

“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 brilliant and beautiful daughter, Olivia, to an unfortunate boating accident yesterday. We are still in disbelief that her bright and pure light was taken away from us so suddenly.”

Knighton attended Coelho Middle School and loved soccer and the New England Revolution.

In an obituary, Olivia’s family describe her as a loving girl who loved people.

“Attleboro was home to Olivia and she formed everlasting friendships with her neighbors both young and old! She was always finding ways to be out and interacting with her friends and neighbors. Whether it was riding bikes, watering plants, or organizing a refrigerator, Olivia just loved her people, and they loved her….. She savored every moment and showed it through her gorgeous smile that lit up any room she was in. She enjoyed celebrations of every kind, especially Christmas, always finding ways to decorate and throw a party!”

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Monday, July 31st from 2-7 pm at Duffy-Poule Funeral Home, 20 Peck Street, Attleboro, MA.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, August 1st at 10 am at St. John the Evangelist Church, 133 North Main Street, Attleboro, MA. Olivia loved bright colors, especially teal, and the family invites all to wear bright colors to celebrate her bright and beautiful life.

To view the livestream of Olivia’s Funeral Mass you can click on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC38_Gf6KR36pjPHrqGXzRQw/live

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you “take a moment to think of Olivia. Feel her light, joy, and generosity and let that guide you to show kindness in your own way. Donate to a charity or organization that is meaningful to you, give someone a hug, smile at a stranger, leave someone a note of encouragement, look for ways to pay it forward every single day. Do it for angel Olivia and her beautiful light.”

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.