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Mayor George Garner of McColl, South Carolina, tragically died in a car crash while being pursued by law enforcement. The incident occurred on Highway 34 in Mechanicsville, just days after the entire police department of his town resigned. Garner, who had recently been re-elected, was 49 years old.
According to Darlington County Coroner Todd Hardee, a deputy from the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office was following Garner at the time of the crash. Hardee clarified in a Facebook post that the pursuit was not related to any laws being broken but was initiated to protect Garner's well-being.
Garner was driving a Chevrolet Tahoe heading west when he crossed over the center line and collided with a tractor-trailer. Both Garner and the tractor-trailer driver were taken to a hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, Garner succumbed to his injuries.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is currently investigating the crash. In addition, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division confirmed that they have an active investigation involving the late mayor, though no further details were provided.
The news of Garner's death comes after residents were notified last week that the Marlboro County town would be without a police force after the entire department resigned. In the interim, the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office has stepped in to patrol the town.