The late Mayor of McColl, South Carolina, was allegedly connected to an active South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) investigation, officials say.
McColl Mayor George Garner was killed on Tuesday following a car crash involving two vehicles on Cashua Ferry Road, according to Darlington County Coroner Todd Hardee. Garner, 49, collided head-on with an 18-wheeler after he veered into the eastbound lane while traveling westbound. He was being pursued by Marlboro County deputies leading up to the crash, FOX13 reported.
He was taken to McLeod Regional Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries, stated South Carolina Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Lena Butler. The driver of the 18-wheeler had also sustained injuries.
"When the incident occurred Mr. Garner was being pursued by a Marlboro County deputy. The pursuit not related to any laws being broken. The pursuit was taking place in an effort to protect the well being of Mr. Garner," County Coroner Hardee said Tuesday night. "I will make a ruling on the manner of this death in the coming days. Please keep this family, and the fine folks in our neighboring Marlboro County in your prayers."
"The Town of Clio would like to extend our Prayers to the Town of McColl, the Garner Family, and it's citizens. As a neighboring town, we pray that God will provide peace & understanding in the days to come. Small towns have big hearts and will rally together in the midst of trials. May God bless McColl," said a message on the Town of Clio's Facebook page, posted on Tuesday night.
Days before his death, the entire five-person police force within the town of McColl resigned at once for reasons that remain unclear, reported WYFF.
"At the end of the day, I have a family and when my job's constantly getting threatened and certain things are getting said, I'm not going to stay somewhere and tolerate that," said one of the officers resigning.
Originally published by Latin Times.
