A police diver with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department in South Carolina, USA, has died during an underwater training exercise on Lake Murray.
Master Deputy Jillian Olson, 29, died on Thursday, 30 July, while taking part in a dive team training session. The incident occurred near Spence Island, a popular dive site on the eastern part of the lake.
Olson, a native of Illinois, joined the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department in 2021 as a patrol deputy, earning her promotion to master deputy in 2025.
She had been a member of the department’s dive team since 2024 and had recently completed her 100th dive.
According to local reports, Olson had received the Outstanding Judicial Services Deputy of the Year Award in 2025 and the Tactical Operations Support Award in 2023. She was due to receive her five-year honourable service award in August.
Olson’s was recovered by the Aquatics Investigation and Recovery Team of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), assisted by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
SCDNR is leading the investigation into the circumstances of her death, with SLED assisting, while a separate investigation into the cause of her death is being conducted by the Lexington County Coroner’s Office.
Olson’s equipment has been held for testing as part of the technical evaluation of the accident, although no official cause of death has so far been released.
It has also been reported that another member of the dive team involved in the same training exercise was treated in a hyperbaric chamber following the incident.
‘Our hearts are broken by the loss of a valuable member of the Sheriff’s Department,’ said Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon. ‘Jillian exemplified commitment and service. She faithfully carried out her duties and selflessly worked to make those around her better.
‘Jillian’s dedication to her community and department is well documented with awards and recognitions,’ added Koon. ‘She’ll be most remembered for what she did with no fanfare. Her decision to join our dive team is just one example of her going above and beyond.
‘I am grateful to DNR, SLED and our county coroner for the sensitive and respectful way they’ve handled everything. I would also like to express my thanks to the countless public safety agencies that responded without hesitation from across the whole state to help us in our time of need.’
‘We are heartbroken by the loss of Master Deputy Jillian Olson of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department,’ said South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. ‘Please keep her family, her fellow deputies, and the entire Lexington County community in your prayers.’
He ordered flags at the Statehouse to be lowered to half-mast on the day of her funeral, which will be held in Lexington on Wednesday, 5 August.
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