Deputy Phillip Michael Deese was killed in a head-on traffic collision.

He was driving westbound on I-26 in an unincorporated part of Dorchester County when a pick-up truck crossed the median, hitting the deputy's patrol car head on. The crash killed the deputy, the driver of the pick-up, and Deputy Deese's K9 partner, Sonja. 

Deputy Deese had served the Dorchester County Sheriff's office for almost seven years. He is survived by his wife, child, and two step-children.