Mayor of South Carolina dies in car crash while fleeing police

McColl, South Carolina Mayor George Garner II died in a car wreck after a collision with a tractor trailer while being pursued by sheriff’s deputies. The pursuit was reportedly in an effort to protect Garner’s well-being, according to the Darlington County Coroner. The crash is still under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol’s Major Accident Investigation Team. Garner’s recent reelection as mayor of the small town of McColl was marked by a previous resignation of the entire police force due to “unwanted and malicious behavior.” The Marlboro County Sheriff’s Department was following Garner after a call from his wife, but they were not actively pursuing him at the time of the crash. The driver of the tractor trailer involved in the collision was injured and treated at a nearby hospital. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division confirmed that Garner is the subject of an ongoing investigation, but details have not been disclosed. This tragic incident has left the small town of McColl mourning the loss of their mayor and further investigations are being conducted to determine the cause of the crash.

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