McColl, South Carolina Mayor George Garner II died in a car wreck after a collision with a tractor-trailer on November 26. Authorities confirmed that Garner was being pursued by sheriff’s deputies at the time of the crash, but the pursuit was not related to any laws being broken. The mayor was the only occupant in the vehicle he was driving and succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital. The driver of the tractor-trailer was also injured and treated at the hospital.
The Darlington County Coroner stated that deputies were following Garner to ensure his well-being after his wife contacted the sheriff’s office. However, Marlboro County Sheriff Charles Lemon clarified that the deputies were not actively pursuing Garner when the crash occurred. The South Carolina Highway Patrol’s Major Accident Investigation Team is currently investigating the crash.
Last month, McColl’s police chief and four other law enforcement officials resigned, leaving the town without a police force. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division confirmed that Garner is the subject of an ongoing investigation, but no further details were disclosed. The story is still developing, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
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