George Garner II, the mayor of McColl, South Carolina, died Tuesday in a head-on collision while being pursued by sheriff’s deputies. The incident occurred just weeks after the town’s entire police force resigned, leaving many to wonder whether these events are connected.
The collision happened in Mechanicsville, where Garner’s vehicle veered into oncoming traffic and struck a tractor-trailer. According to the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were following Garner after his wife contacted them, requesting a welfare check. Authorities insist the pursuit was meant to ensure Garner’s safety, not related to any illegal activity.
Darlington County Coroner J. Todd Hardee stated the pursuit was undertaken to “protect the well-being of Mr. Garner.” However, this explanation raises more questions than answers. Why was there a need for police to follow him? And what prompted him to swerve into oncoming traffic?
The incident comes on the heels of the McColl Police Department’s resignation in October. The entire force, including the police chief, left their posts, citing “unwanted and malicious behavior.” While the details remain unclear, the timing of these events has fueled speculation about turmoil within the town’s leadership.
Sheriff Charles Lemon told local media that deputies were not actively chasing Garner, but their presence behind him may have influenced his actions. Without more information, it is difficult to determine whether the pursuit or other factors contributed to the crash.
As investigations continue, the community is left grappling with unanswered questions. The timing of Garner’s death, following the police department’s resignation, suggests deeper issues within McColl that demand scrutiny.
