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Midlands deputy who died in a diving incident to be laid to rest

Master Deputy Jillian Olson
LCSD
Master Deputy Jillian Olson

Agencies around the state joined the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department in mourning the loss of Master Deputy Jillian Olson Thursday.

Lexington County Master Deputy Jillian Olson, 29, died July 30, after a dive training exercise on Lake Murray, according to the department.

On Wednesday, she will lie in state in Lexington.

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

Olson, a native of Illinois, served in the LCSD for five years. She was promoted in 2025 to master deputy. Outside of her work as a public servant, an online obituary remembers Olson for her quick wit, infectious laugh, colorful vocabulary and genuine honesty.

Olson will lie in state at Pilgrim Lutheran Church on Aug. 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Her funeral service will follow at 10:30 a.m. Burial will take place at St. Michael Lutheran Church Cemetery.

LCSD confirmed that the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is leading the investigation into Olson's death, with assistance from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. The Lexington County Coroner's Office is conducting an independent investigation.

Kristina Thacker joined the South Carolina Public Radio team in September of 2025. She is a multimedia journalist with experience in both on-air reporting and production.