A small town in South Carolina is mourning the loss of its mayor, George Garner II, who tragically died in a car crash on Tuesday. The accident happened just days after McColl, a town of around 2,000 people, lost its entire police force.
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Mayor Garner, 49, was driving when his car collided head-on with a truck in Mechanicsville, according to Darlington County Coroner Todd Hardee. At the time of the crash, Garner was being followed by a Marlboro County deputy. The coroner explained that the deputy’s pursuit wasn’t due to any laws being broken but was instead to ensure Garner’s safety. Details about why the mayor needed protection were not shared.
This heartbreaking event followed a dramatic shakeup in McColl’s police department. Last week, Chief Bob Hale and all four officers quit their jobs, leaving the town without any police presence.
In a Facebook post, Chief Hale revealed that he and his team resigned because of ongoing harassment and a hostile work environment created by a councilman. “For months, I’ve faced personal attacks and harassment that made it impossible for the department to work effectively,” Hale wrote. He also accused the councilman of cutting the police budget and ignoring essential needs for the department.
Despite their efforts to resolve the situation, the hostility continued, forcing them to step away. Hale said this decision wasn’t made lightly, but it was necessary for their well-being and integrity.
By Friday, Mayor Garner acknowledged the tough spot the town was in, confirming to WMBF News that McColl no longer had any officers. To address this, the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Department stepped in to handle emergency calls.
The loss of Mayor Garner has left the community heartbroken. Marlboro County Emergency Management described him as a kind and remarkable man who always treated people with respect.
“Our hearts are heavy,” they said in a statement. “Mayor Garner’s warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
This tragic series of events has shaken the small town, but residents are coming together to support each other as they navigate this profound loss.
