South Carolina mayor dies in crash while being ‘pursued’ by deputy, just days after his police force quit

The small town of McColl, South Carolina was rocked by tragedy when Mayor George Garner II died in a head-on vehicle crash while being pursued by law enforcement. The incident occurred just days after the entire police department of the town had resigned, leaving the community in a state of turmoil.

Coroner Todd Hardee confirmed that Mayor Garner, 49, was killed in a collision with a truck in Mechanicsville. The pursuit by a Marlboro County Deputy, which led to the fatal crash, was not related to any laws being broken but was instead aimed at protecting Garner’s wellbeing. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, but details remain scarce.

The tragedy unfolded after Chief Bob Hale and all four officers of the McColl Police Department tendered their resignations. In a Facebook post, Chief Hale cited repeated acts of harassment and personal attacks on his character by a specific councilman as the reasons for his departure. He also pointed out budget cuts and unfulfilled police needs as contributing factors to the department’s dysfunction.

With the police department disbanded, the town found itself without law enforcement. Mayor Garner expressed the difficult situation the community was facing, prompting the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Department to step in and handle any calls from citizens. The town mourned the loss of Mayor Garner, describing him as a remarkable individual who treated everyone with warmth and respect.

The Marlboro County Emergency Management/911 extended their deepest condolences to Mayor Garner’s family and friends, acknowledging the profound impact he had on those around him. The community was urged to find comfort and strength in each other as they navigated the loss.

The tragic events in McColl serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by small towns and the importance of effective law enforcement in maintaining public safety. The investigation into Mayor Garner’s death continues, leaving the community grappling with grief and uncertainty in the wake of the tragedy.