‘Our hearts are broken’: Deputy, 29, dies during dive team underwater training exercise

LEXINGTON, S.C. (WBTV/Gray News) - Authorities say a deputy in South Carolina has died during a training exercise. According to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, Master Deputy Jillian Olson died during an underwater training session with the dive team at Lake Murray on Thursday. She was 29 years old.The sheriff’s department did not immediately share what may have occurred during the exercise but said several state agencies, including the Lexington County coroner, were investigating.“Our hearts are broken by the loss of a valuable member of the sheriff’s department,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said.Olson was hired in 2021 and joined the dive team in 2024. The 29-year-old worked her way up to a master deputy position in the department’s warrant division, while being named an “outstanding judicial services deputy of the year.”“Jillian exemplified commitment and service. She faithfully carried out her duties and selflessly worked to make those around her better,” Koon conti