Overview

• 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.