South Carolina deputy dies at 29 during dive-team training weeks before service honor

Master Deputy Jillian Olson, a 29-year-old member of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, died during an underwater training session on Lake Murray, leaving colleagues and community leaders mourning a deputy remembered for her dedication, courage and adventurous spirit.

Olson died Thursday, July 30, according to a July 31 announcement from the Sheriff’s Department. Officials did not disclose further details about what happened during the training session.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is leading the investigation, assisted by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. The Lexington County Coroner’s Office is separately working to establish Olson’s cause and manner of death.

A career built around public service

Olson joined the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy in 2021. More than a year later, she moved into a warrant deputy position and eventually earned a promotion to master deputy in the warrant division.

She became a member of the department’s dive team in 2024.

Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon described Olson as an important member of the department whose influence extended beyond her assigned responsibilities.

“Our hearts are broken by the loss of a valuable member of the Sheriff’s Department,” Koon said in the department’s announcement. “Jillian exemplified commitment and service. She faithfully carried out her duties and selflessly worked to make those around her better.”

Her work had already earned formal recognition. Olson received the department’s tactical operations support award in 2023.

She was also scheduled to receive a five-year honorable service award in August, shortly after her death.

Originally from Illinois, Olson completed a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement and justice administration at Western Illinois University in 2019. She returned to the university for graduate studies, receiving a master’s degree in student personnel services in 2021.

A passion for diving and life on the water

Olson’s interest in diving was not limited to her law-enforcement duties. Her published obituary described someone who embraced challenges, enjoyed learning and felt at home around the water.

She spent time paddleboarding, floating on the lake and diving. Shortly before her death, Olson marked her 100th dive, an achievement her obituary connected to her curiosity and love of underwater exploration.

That same determination appeared in other areas of her life. The memorial said Olson took pride in her home and willingly attempted unfamiliar projects, teaching herself through research, persistence and hard work.

Those closest to Olson remembered her as an honest, witty and welcoming person who made others feel that they mattered.

“She will be remembered for her courage, humor, loyalty, adventurous spirit, and the extraordinary way she made every person in her life feel seen, valued, and loved,” her obituary stated.

Olson is survived by her parents and three siblings. Her funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 5, in Lexington.

Governor orders flags lowered for funeral

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster also honored Olson in a social-media statement, asking residents to remember both her relatives and the law-enforcement community affected by her death.

“We are heartbroken by the loss of Master Deputy Jillian Olson of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department,” McMaster wrote. “Please keep her family, her fellow deputies, and the entire Lexington County community in your prayers.”

McMaster said flags over the South Carolina Statehouse would be lowered to half-staff on the day of Olson’s funeral.