Mayor of small SC town killed in car crash days after town’s entire police force resigned
The mayor of a small South Carolina town died Tuesday, Nov. 26, after a crash with a tractor trailer truck, and was reportedly being pursued by sheriff’s deputies at the time of the incident.
McColl Mayor George Garner II, 49, died as a result of the crash, according to social media posts from Darlington County Coroner Todd Hardee. The crash occurred on S.C. 34 in Mechanicsville at about 2:40 p.m. Tuesday, the coroner said.
McColl is a town of about 1,900 people in Marlboro County. Garner had recently been re-elected as mayor.
“When the incident occurred Mr. Garner was being pursued by a Marlboro County Deputy,” Hardee wrote. “The pursuit was not related to any laws being broken. The pursuit was taking place in an effort to protect the well being of Mr. Garner.”
The crash came days after published reports indicated the entire police force in McColl had recently resigned.
S.C. Highway Patrol Trooper Lena Butler said Garner was traveling west on S.C. 34 in a 2007 Chevy Tahoe. Garner’s vehicle went left of center and crashed with a Volvo tractor trailer. Garner was taken to McLeod Regional Medical Center, where he died.
Garner’s death comes amid an active and ongoing State Law Enforcement Division investigation involving the late mayor, according to SLED spokesperson Renee Wunderlich. Details surrounding the investigation are currently unavailable.
Mechanicsville is a small community about eight miles east of the town of Darlington.
The incident is being investigated by the Highway Patrol’s Major Accident Investigation Team. Hardee said he would release a manner of death in the case in coming days.
“Our hearts are heavy during this difficult time, and we are keeping everyone affected in our thoughts and prayers,” a Facebook post by Marlboro County 911 said. “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.”
Funeral services for Garner will be held at McColl Church of God on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. A visitation is scheduled for Dec. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the same location. Garner will be buried at Rogers cemetery.
This story was originally published November 27, 2024 at 9:34 AM.
