A small-town mayor's unexpected death has left the community of McColl, South Carolina, grappling with compounded challenges in their local government.
According to Fox News, Mayor George Garner II, 49, died in a head-on collision with a truck while being pursued by a Marlboro County deputy, just days after his town's entire police force resigned.
The incident occurred Tuesday afternoon in Mechanicsville, where Darlington County Coroner Todd Hardee confirmed the fatal crash.
As clarified by officials, the pursuit was not related to any legal infractions but rather was conducted to ensure the mayor's wellbeing, though specific details about the circumstances remain undisclosed.
Police Department Exodus Leads to Municipal Crisis
The tragic incident followed a significant upheaval in McColl's law enforcement when Police Chief Bob Hale and his entire four-person police force submitted their resignations. The mass departure stemmed from alleged harassment and hostile work conditions within the department.
Chief Hale detailed his reasons for resignation in a public statement on Facebook, citing persistent issues with a specific council member. The department faced additional challenges, including budget cuts and unfulfilled essential police needs.
Before his death, Mayor Garner had acknowledged the community's predicament, describing it as a "difficult situation." The town, home to approximately 2,000 residents near the North Carolina border, subsequently arranged for the Marlboro County Sheriff's Department to handle local law enforcement responsibilities.
Investigation and Community Response to Mayor's Death
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) confirmed an ongoing investigation connected to Garner, though specific details remain withheld. SLED spokeswoman Renee Wunderlich indicated the investigation was "active and ongoing" but provided no additional information.
Former Police Chief Hale shared his perspective on the department's resignation through social media, stating:
My personal decision to step away from the McColl Police Department can be attributed to repeated acts of harassment, personal attacks on my character, and the overall creation of a hostile work environment perpetuated by a specific Councilman.
The Marlboro County Emergency Management/911 expressed their condolences, praising Mayor Garner's impact on the community:
On behalf of Marlboro County E911, we extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mayor George Garner. Our hearts are heavy during this difficult time, and we are keeping everyone affected in our thoughts and prayers.
A Community's Path Through Leadership Transition
The circumstances surrounding Mayor Garner's death have created a complex situation for McColl's governance and public safety infrastructure. The town faces the dual challenge of managing without its police force while dealing with the loss of its mayor.
The Marlboro County Sheriff's Department has stepped in to fill the law enforcement void, ensuring continued emergency response services for McColl's residents. This arrangement was established shortly before the mayor's fatal accident.
The sequence of events, from the police department's resignation to the mayor's tragic death, has left the community seeking answers while trying to maintain essential municipal services.
The ongoing SLED investigation may provide additional context to these recent developments that have dramatically impacted this small South Carolina town.
