South Carolina Mayor George Garner II Dies in Head-On Collision During Police Pursuit

McColl, South Carolina — George Garner II, the 49-year-old mayor of McColl, was killed in a tragic head-on collision on Tuesday afternoon during a police pursuit.

The crash occurred in Mechanicsville, South Carolina when Garner’s vehicle collided with a truck.

Darlington County Coroner Todd Hardee confirmed the fatal incident, stating that a Marlboro County deputy was pursuing Garner at the time, not for criminal reasons but reportedly to ensure his safety.

However, specific details about the pursuit remain undisclosed.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has launched an investigation into the incident. Renee Wunderlich, a spokesperson for SLED, declined to provide further information, noting the ongoing nature of the inquiry. Requests for additional comments were answered after some time.

This tragic event unfolded just days after the McColl Police Department, responsible for protecting the town’s 2,000 residents near the North Carolina border, was disbanded. Last week, Chief of Police Bob Hale and four officers resigned, citing a hostile work environment.

In a Facebook post, Hale accused a councilman of repeated harassment and undermining his leadership, which made it impossible for the department to operate effectively. He added that budget cuts further hindered their ability to meet the town’s safety needs.

In a Friday interview, Mayor Garner confirmed the department’s dissolution and expressed concern about McColl’s challenges. To address the gap in law enforcement, the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Department began handling calls in McColl as of Tuesday.

Following Garner’s death, the Marlboro County Emergency Management/911 released a statement mourning his loss, praising him as a “remarkable individual” known for his kindness and respect for others.

“On behalf of Marlboro County E911, we extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mayor George Garner,” the statement read. “Our hearts are heavy during this difficult time, and we keep everyone affected in our thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort and strength in one another as you navigate this profound loss.”

The McColl community continues to grapple with the tragic loss of its mayor and the challenges posed by the absence of a local police department.