A tragic turn of events unfolds in a small South Carolina town as its mayor meets an untimely end during a law enforcement pursuit.

According to Fox News, McColl Mayor George Garner II, 49, died in a head-on collision with a truck in Mechanicsville on Tuesday afternoon while being pursued by a Marlboro County Deputy, just days after his town's entire police force resigned.

Darlington County Coroner Todd Hardee revealed that the pursuit was not related to any legal infractions but was conducted to ensure Garner's wellbeing. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has confirmed an ongoing investigation connected to Garner, though specific details remain undisclosed.

Police Department Resignation Sparks Municipal Crisis

Former McColl Police Chief Bob Hale took to social media to announce the mass resignation, citing harassment and a hostile work environment. The department's exodus included all four officers serving under Hale's leadership. Their departure left the town of approximately 2,000 residents without local law enforcement protection.

In his resignation statement, Chief Hale pointed to a specific councilman's actions as the catalyst for the department's collapse. The former chief detailed months of enduring what he described as unwarranted attacks on his character and leadership. Budget cuts and unfulfilled operational needs further complicated the department's ability to function effectively.

The following statement was shared by former Chief Hale:

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.

Community Response and Emergency Services Transition

Prior to his death, Mayor Garner acknowledged the challenging situation facing McColl following the police force's departure.

The town quickly arranged for the Marlboro County Sheriff's Department to handle emergency calls and maintain law enforcement presence within McColl's jurisdiction.

Local emergency services expressed their grief over the mayor's passing. Marlboro County Emergency Management/911 praised Garner's character and his impact on the community. Their statement highlighted his consistent warmth and respectful treatment of others.

The emergency services department shared this tribute to the late mayor:

Truly a remarkable individual who consistently treated everyone with warmth and respect, and his kindness left a lasting impact on those around him.

Investigation Details and Circumstances

The circumstances surrounding Mayor Garner's fatal crash have raised questions within the community. The Darlington County Coroner's unusual specification that the pursuit was conducted for Garner's wellbeing rather than law enforcement purposes adds complexity to the incident.

SLED spokeswoman Renee Wunderlich confirmed their agency's involvement in an investigation related to Garner but provided no additional details. The timing of the crash, occurring just days after the police department's resignation, has drawn attention from both local residents and regional authorities.

The collision took place in Mechanicsville, indicating Garner had traveled outside McColl's immediate vicinity when the incident occurred. The specifics of why a deputy was pursuing the mayor remain unclear, though officials maintain it was done with protective intent.

Leadership Void Threatens Small Town Stability

McColl now faces the unprecedented challenge of operating without both its mayor and police force. The sudden leadership vacuum has created immediate concerns about governance and public safety in the small border town.

The community must now navigate multiple transitions simultaneously. While arrangements with the Marlboro County Sheriff's Department provide temporary law enforcement coverage, the town needs to address its long-term policing strategy.

The series of events leading to this crisis highlights deeper institutional challenges within McColl's municipal government. The allegations of harassment and a hostile work environment that prompted the police department's resignation suggest underlying administrative issues that require attention.

Final Moments That Changed McColl

Mayor George Garner II's death marked the culmination of a tumultuous period for the small South Carolina town of McColl. The tragic incident occurred during a police pursuit by Marlboro County deputies, who were reportedly acting to ensure the mayor's safety rather than respond to any legal violations.

The loss of both the town's entire police force and its mayor within days of each other has left McColl facing unprecedented challenges. As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding Garner's death, the community must also address the administrative vacuum and law enforcement coverage concerns while mourning the loss of their local leader.