South Carolina Mayor Killed While Being ‘Pursued’ by Deputy – Days After Police Force Resigned
A small town grieves the loss of its mayor, who died in a tragic crash just days after his entire police force quit amid a tense political battle. 🌐 #News #MarlboroCountySC #SouthCarolina #Police
MARLBORO COUNTY, SC – The mayor of McColl, South Carolina, has tragically died in a car crash just days after the entire police force of the small town resigned. George Garner II, 49, was killed when his vehicle collided head-on with an 18-wheeler Tuesday afternoon, a crash that occurred while he was being “pursued” by a sheriff’s deputy. This tragic event follows the unprecedented resignation of McColl’s entire police force, including Chief Bob Hale, who cited a toxic work environment created by local officials. Don’t miss our report from earlier this week: South Carolina Town Left Defenseless As Entire Police Department Resigns!
Mayor’s Death and the Pursuit
George Garner’s death occurred on November 27, 2024, when his 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe struck an 18-wheeler on the highway. According to the coroner, Garner was being pursued by a Marlboro County sheriff’s deputy at the time of the crash. The pursuit, however, was not connected to any crime or illegal activity. “The pursuit was taking place in an effort to protect the well-being of Mr. Garner,” the coroner stated, though further details about the incident have not been released.
The crash remains under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol, which is working to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the mayor’s death. Officials have yet to comment on whether any other factors contributed to the collision.
The Crisis in McColl Before the Crash
Garner’s death comes just days after McColl, a town of about 2,000 residents, was rocked by a significant local crisis. On November 22, the town’s entire police department, including Chief Bob Hale, resigned due to a series of allegations surrounding harassment and a toxic atmosphere at the hands of local officials. Chief Hale stated that he and his officers faced ongoing harassment from an unnamed council member, which created a “hostile work environment.”
In his resignation statement, Hale explained, “Despite our efforts to address these issues professionally and through appropriate channels, the harassment and hostility have persisted,” adding that slashed funding made it harder to operate effectively. Following Hale’s resignation, Garner expressed disappointment but promised to find a solution. “I hate to see them go. They were a great group. But we’re gonna continue on,” Garner said, vowing to hire new officers to restore law enforcement in the town.
A Town Grieves and Moves Forward
With the loss of its mayor and the continued absence of a police force, McColl is left facing both emotional and practical challenges. Following Garner’s tragic death, Brian Blue, the town’s mayor pro tempore, has stepped in to manage the town’s affairs. Blue reassured residents in a statement, “I know it’s a hard time right now for our town, but us as a council and me as your mayor Pro tempore, we will continue fighting for you all.”
A funeral service for Mayor Garner is scheduled for December 3 at 2 p.m. at McColl Church of God. As the town prepares to lay its mayor to rest, McColl’s future remains uncertain, with its leadership in transition and its police force still non-existent.
As investigations into both the mayor’s death and the police department’s resignations continue, the community of McColl must now face a period of recovery and hope for rebuilding both its local government and its trust in public safety.
As the town begins to heal, they find strength in one another and their faith. We are reminded in the books of Psalms 34:18: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” – may this verse bring comfort to Mayor Garner’s family. McColl will remember their mayor’s dedication, as well as the officers who stepped away, and hold onto hope for brighter days ahead.
RELATED TOPICS: Accidents | South Carolina
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