Former Anoka High School Basketball Star and Carolina Rebels Coach Dillon Hansen Dies by Suicide, Leaving Behind Parents Traci and Steve and His Family

November 13, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on November 13, 2026

Dillon Hansen, a Columbia, South Carolina-based youth basketball coach and former athlete, lost his battle with mental health issues.

According to loved ones, Dillon Hansen took his own life and was found dead in his room; however, the details surrounding his untimely death have not yet been disclosed.

Dillon Hansen touched the lives of many with his amazing athletic skills and his journey as a great coach.

A native of Minnesota, attended Anoka High School, where he excelled as an exceptional basketball player playing for the boys’ varsity team, the Anoka Tornadoes.

A member of the Class of 2015, he played as a shooting guard (SG) for the Anoka Varsity Basketball team.

During his senior year in the 2014–2015 season, Hansen helped lead the team through a challenging schedule, which resulted in a 3–24 overall record and a 3–17 conference record, ranking 13th in their division.

The previous year, as a junior, Hansen also played a key role for the Tornadoes, contributing to their 4–22 record and 3–16 conference standing.

Although Dillon Hansen didn’t pursue his career as a professional basketball player, he continued to positively impact the sports community, serving as a basketball coach.

Dillon Hansen was serving as the head basketball coach of Carolina Rebels, a competitive travel AAU basketball team in Columbia, SC.

Throughout his remarkable journey as a basketball coach, Hansen led his team to numerous victories.

His contribution to the sports community and his leadership skills will always remain in the hearts of his family, friends, and loved ones.

The late Dillon J. Hansen Was a Proud U.S. Army Soldier

In addition to serving the community as an exceptional coach and basketball player, the late Dillon Hansen also won the hearts of many with his journey as a proud U.S. Army Soldier.

Hansen began his journey at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina — the Army’s premier basic training installation.

Furthermore, he joined the military in pursuit of purpose and growth, driven by his desire to make a difference, help people, better himself, and make his family proud, as he once shared during training.

Dillon was assigned to Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, where he thrived in both physical and tactical training.

He embraced every challenge of Basic Combat Training (BCT) with dedication and discipline, earning the respect of his peers and drill sergeants alike.

Upon completion of basic training in 2017, Dillon was promoted to the rank of Private E-2 (PVT/E2), a recognition of his leadership qualities and strong test performance.

His chosen Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) was 42A – Human Resources Specialist, a role that supports soldiers administratively and ensures the smooth operation of personnel within Army units.

Dillon viewed this position as a meaningful first step in his Army career, expressing excitement about exploring new opportunities and potentially changing his MOS in the future as he advanced in service.

Furthermore, the untimely death of Dillon Hansen has left a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, and loved ones.

Many of his loved ones are paying tribute to the late Dillon and sharing memories of him on social media.

Dillon Hansen is survived by his beloved parents, Traci Nelson Hansen and Steve Hansen; his siblings, Drew (Ana) Hansen, Derek, and Maria; his nieces; grandparents; uncles; aunts; and the entire family.

In Case You Didn’t Know

• Dillon Hansen’s family will soon provide the details about his funeral and memorial services.
• His mother, Traci Nelson Hansen, is an infant teacher at Lil Explorers Childcare Center in Ramsey, Minnesota.

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Suruchi is a business management student with a strong passion for writing, particularly when it comes to sports. She loves creating articles and blogs that explore various aspects of the sports world. With a curious mind and a love for both academics and creativity, she constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and share her insights through her writing.

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