Dale County Sheriff’s officer dies in Barbour County

Dale County Sheriff Wally Olson watched Jonathan Tishnell rise from a beginner jailer to a transport officer who worked hard to be his best. On Friday, Olson visited Tishnell’s family to share with them those memories.

Authorities said Tishnell, 25, might have drowned after having a seizure early Friday at White Oak Shores in Barbour County, not long after starting up a boat for a fishing trip with his 8-year-old stepson.

Barbour County Chief Sheriff’s Deputy Ronnie Benefield said Tishnell fell over the boat, landing with his head in the water.
His stepson was not able to pull Tishnell up, but successfully steered the boat back to a boating dock for help, Benefield said.

Authorities believe Tishnell died before help could arrive.

“Undoubtedly from every indication it appears he drowned, but it might have even been a heart attack, we just don’t know at this time,“ Benefield said.
“What we do know is he had a history of seizures and might not have taken the medication (Friday) morning.“

Olson said Tishnell had worked at Dale County Jail a little over a year, but that his progress with the department was evident.

“He came a long way from when he first started and was a great guy,“ Olson said. “He really done us a good job. And he lived life to the fullest. I hope everybody takes the time to say a prayer for his family.“