South Carolina mayor dies in car crash days after town¡¯s entire police force resigns
The former police chief said he resigned due to a toxic work environment
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Your support makes all the difference.A South Carolina mayor died in a car crash during a deputy pursuit days after his entire police force quit.
Darlington County Coroner J Todd Hardee confirmed the news in a Facebook post on Tuesday. McColl Mayor George Garner II, 49, died when a car he was traveling in collided with a truck.
The crash happened around 2.40 pm on Hwy 34 in Mechanicsville. Garner was being pursued by a Marlboro County Deputy at the time. He veered left of the center line and collided with an 18-wheeler on November 26. He was transported to McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence, where he died.
Garner had recently been re-elected to his position.
¡°The pursuit was not related to any laws being broken,¡± Hardee wrote. ¡°The pursuit was taking place in effort to protect the well-being of Mr Garner.¡± Hardee expects to make a ruling on Garner¡¯s death in the coming days.
The Independent has emailed Marlboro County officials for comment.
Earlier this month, McColl¡¯s entire police force resigned, leaving the town of 1,900 without a single officer on duty. In a statement obtained by WPDE, Chief Bob Hale said he resigned following treatment from a local official.
¡°For months, I have endured unwarranted and malicious behavior aimed at undermining my integrity and leadership,¡± he wrote.
¡°These actions have not only affected me personally but have also created a toxic atmosphere that has hindered the department¡¯s ability to function effectively.¡±
The collision is being investigated by the Darlington County Coroner and the SCHP MAIT team.
In a separate Facebook post, Marlboro County 911 wrote: ¡°Our hearts are heavy during this difficult time, and we are keeping everyone affected in our thoughts and prayers. Mayor Garner was truly a remarkable individual. He consistently treated everyone with warmth and respect, and his kindness left a lasting impact on those around him.¡±
Garner leaves behind a wife, two sons and a daughter. His funeral service will be held on December 3.
McColl Mayor Pro-Tem Brian Blue also offered his condolences to Garner¡¯s family. In a statement he gave to WMBF, he wrote: ¡°I want everyone to know the mayor loved his family and the people in the Town of McColl.¡±
¡°He always told us whether he was in or out of office, he always wanted us to move the town in the right direction. And at this time, I would like for everybody to keep his family and the Town of McColl in your prayers as we deal with the loss of the mayor of McColl.¡±
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