George Garner II, the 49-year-old mayor of McColl, South Carolina, died in a car crash on November 26 during a police pursuit just days after the town’s entire police department resigned.
According to Darlington County Coroner J. Todd Hardee, the crash occurred on Highway 34 in Mechanicsville when Garner’s vehicle crossed the center line and collided with an 18-wheeler. He was transported to McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence, where he passed away.
The pursuit, involving a Marlboro County deputy, was reportedly conducted for Garner’s well-being rather than due to any criminal activity, Hardee stated. An investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Garner’s death follows recent upheaval in McColl, where the police force of the town of 1,900 residents resigned earlier this month. Former Police Chief Bob Hale cited toxic workplace conditions and personal attacks as reasons for stepping down.
Garner, who had recently been re-elected, leaves behind a wife, two sons, and a daughter.
Tributes have poured in, with local officials and residents remembering him as a kind and dedicated leader.
A funeral service will be held on December 3.
