S.C. Sheriff's K-9 Dies of 'Apparent Heat-Related Illness' after Training
The Lexington County Sheriff's Department is evaluating its K-9 training program after Sam, a 2-year-old Belgian malinois, suffered a medical emergency during a session and died of a possible heat-related illness.
By Chris Trainor
Source The State
July 11, 2025
Lexinton County, SC, Sheriff's Department
Sam, a Lexington County, SC, Sheriff's Department K-9.
What to know
Sam, a Lexington County Sheriff's Department K-9, died from a suspected heat-related illness after a medical emergency during a training session.
The 2-year-old Belgian Malinois' handler rushed him to a veterinarian after noticing signs of distress.
The sheriff’s department is reviewing its K-9 training protocols following the incident.
A Lexington County Sheriff’s Department K-9 deputy has died following a training exercise.
The department shared in a Friday morning social media post that K-9 Sam, a two-year-old Belgian malinois, “died this week from an apparent heat-related illness following a medical emergency during a training session.”
Sam had entered service with the sheriff’s department earlier this year, according to the department. The department said Sam “was a trusted teammate and protector” and that “his loss is deeply felt by all who had the privilege of working alongside him.”
The sheriff’s department said Sam’s handler, Deputy McKenzie Saunders, rushed the dog to the veterinarian as soon as he noticed it was in distress after training.
The department is evaluating its K-9 training program after the incident, Friday’s social media post said.
