Tragedy has struck the small town of McColl, South Carolina, where Mayor George Garner II died in a head-on vehicle crash while being pursued by a Marlboro County Deputy. The incident occurred just days after the town’s entire police department quit their jobs.
According to Darlington County Coroner Todd Hardee, Mayor Garner, 49, was killed on Tuesday afternoon when his vehicle collided with a truck in Mechanicsville. What’s striking about this incident is that the pursuit was not related to any laws being broken, but rather an effort to protect the wellbeing of Mayor Garner ¹.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has launched an “active and ongoing” investigation into the matter, but details are scarce. SLED spokeswoman Renee Wunderlich confirmed the investigation but couldn’t provide further information.
This tragic event follows the sudden resignation of the entire McColl Police Department, citing a hostile work environment perpetuated by a specific councilman. Chief Bob Hale, in a Facebook post, expressed his sadness and frustration, stating that the harassment and hostility had made it impossible for the department to function effectively.
The circumstances surrounding Mayor Garner’s death and the police department’s resignation raise more questions than answers. As the investigation unfolds, the community of McColl will undoubtedly be seeking clarity and transparency.
In the meantime, the town mourns the loss of their mayor, and the incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by small-town law enforcement agencies.
