South Carolina Mayor Dies in Crash During Law Enforcement Pursuit

McColl Mayor George Garner II was killed in a collision days after the town's entire police force resigned over alleged harassment and budget cuts.

Mayor George Garner II of McColl, South Carolina, died in a head-on collision with an 18-wheeler while being pursued by a Marlboro County deputy on November 26.
The coroner clarified that the pursuit was not related to any illegal activity but was intended to ensure Garner's well-being, with further details pending investigation.
Garner’s death occurred just five days after McColl’s entire five-person police force resigned, citing a hostile work environment and budget cuts allegedly driven by a council member.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) confirmed an active investigation involving Garner at the time of his death, though specifics remain undisclosed.
The small town of McColl, with approximately 2,000 residents, now relies on the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement as it navigates leadership challenges following Garner’s death.