Deputy Training Death
Master Deputy Jillian Olson Dies in Lake Murray Dive Training; Investigations Begin
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Key Points
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Olson earned a BA in law enforcement and justice administration from Western Illinois University in 2019 and a master's degree in student personnel services from Western Illinois University in 2021.
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She was recognized for leadership and service with multiple honors, including the Lexington County Sheriff’s Foundation naming her outstanding judicial services deputy of the year, the Tactical Operations Support Award in 2023, and she was scheduled to receive a five-year honorable service award next month.
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The investigation is being led by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources with assistance from SLED, while the Lexington County Coroner’s Office is also conducting its own review of the death.
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Community tributes and fundraising include the Wacky Wednesday Foundation, which has raised over $1,500 and plans to donate thousands to Olson’s family, dedicating the effort to her.
Master Deputy Jillian Olson, 29, died Thursday during an underwater dive-team training exercise on Lake Murray in South Carolina, according to WACH. The Lexington County Sheriff's Department called the loss devastating, with Sheriff Jay Koon saying, "Our hearts are broken."
Olson joined the Lexington County Sheriff's Department in 2021 and moved to the dive team in 2024. She was promoted to master deputy in 2025. WCCB Charlotte reported that the department did not immediately release details about what went wrong during the training session.
A Decorated Career Cut Short at 29
Olson earned a bachelor's degree in law enforcement and justice administration from Western Illinois University in 2019. She then earned a master's degree in student personnel services from the same school in 2021, according to KALB. She joined the sheriff's department that same year.
Her record was full of honors. The Lexington County Sheriff's Foundation named her outstanding judicial services deputy of the year. She also received the Tactical Operations Support Award in 2023. Next month, she was set to receive a five-year honorable service award, Alaska's News Source reported. She had also prepared training materials to improve how the department ran day-to-day operations.
Three Agencies Now Investigating the Lake Murray Incident
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is leading the investigation. The State Law Enforcement Division, known as SLED, is helping with the inquiry. The Lexington County Coroner's Office is also running its own separate review, according to WLTX.
The sheriff's department has not released details about what caused Olson to die during the training dive. Investigators are working to determine both the cause and the manner of death. No timeline for findings has been announced, WACH reported.
Community Rallies Around Olson's Family With Tributes and Funds
Tributes from across the community began pouring in quickly after the news broke. The Wacky Wednesday Foundation launched a fundraiser for Olson's family. The group has already raised over $1,500 and plans to donate thousands more, dedicating the entire effort to her memory, according to WACH.
The department described Olson as dedicated and exemplary. Sheriff Koon praised her leadership and commitment to the job. Memorial plans are expected to be announced as the investigations move forward, KALB reported.
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