Trooper who went viral for heroic rescue drowns in South Dakota lake, cops say

A 33-year-old trooper drowned in a South Dakota lake while off-duty, authorities say.

The Minnesota State Patrol said Trooper Mollie McClure, who joined the agency in 2021, died June 29 in an off-duty accident on Waubay Lake.

She was boating in the lake when she went into the water to swim, according to the Day County Sheriff’s Office. For unknown reasons, she fell below the surface and was unable to be located.

First responders from multiple agencies responded to the lake that evening, but their search was called off due to severe weather, the sheriff said.

McClure’s body was discovered in the “early morning hours of June 30,” according to a July 2 news release from the sheriff’s office.

The sheriff said the agency is continuing to investigate McClure’s death. No charges were filed.

McClure was known by the Minnesota State Patrol as a “respected trooper, mentor and friend,” according to a news release.

“Her professionalism, compassion and commitment to service left a lasting impact on her colleagues and the community,” the agency said.

In 2023, McClure went viral when the department shared a video of her rescuing a baby deer that was caught in a fence.

McClure heard the sounds of the crying deer, then wiggled the fawn from the fence to reunite it with its mother, the video shows.

“It is evident through our investigation that McClure had a great impact with the communities that she served and her dedication to public service will be greatly missed,” the sheriff’s office said.

Waubay Lake is in eastern South Dakota near the state’s border with Minnesota.

This story was originally published July 3, 2025 at 6:26 AM with the headline "Trooper who went viral for heroic rescue drowns in South Dakota lake, cops say."