The mayor of a South Carolina town where the entire police force resigned in anger at local officials has died in a car crash — while others were being “pursued” by law enforcement and investigated, according to reports. .
McCall Mayor George Garner II, 49, died Tuesday afternoon when his 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe struck an 18-wheeler — just five days after Police Chief Bob Hale and five of his officers resigned in the small town. Stunned.
The newly elected mayor was “being pursued” by a Marlboro County Sheriff’s deputy when he crashed. The investigating coroner said,
“This pursuit is not related to breaking any laws. This was being done in an effort to protect the well-being of Mr. Garner,” the coroner said, without specifying what would be required. The coroner said more details about how he died would be released soon.
After his death, it emerged that Meyer was also linked to an active investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), sources say. told WBTWWithout specifying what the investigation involved. SLED did not immediately respond to requests for information Friday.
Garner recently won re-election in the town of about 2,000 residents.
However, his administration was embroiled in a local crisis when the entire police force resigned Thursday last week, with Chief Hale accusing harassment by an unidentified council member of creating a “hostile work environment.”
“This created a toxic environment that has hindered the department’s ability to function effectively,” the former chief said in a statement on social media.
“Despite our efforts to address these issues professionally and through proper channels, harassment and hostility persist,” he said, also complaining about funding cuts.
Garner said at the time that the sudden resignations left the city in a “difficult situation” but that he had no ill feelings toward the chief.
“I hate to see them go. They were a great group. But we’re going to keep it going,” Garner said, vowing to hire more police.
Following Garner’s death, Brian Blue has stepped in to assume the duties of mayor.
“I know this is a difficult time for our city right now, but we as a council and I as your mayor pro tempore, we will continue to fight for all of you,” Mayor Pro Tempore Brian Blue said in a The statement assured residents, According to WPDE,
The accident remains under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol. The Post has contacted the agency for additional information.
The funeral service for Garner will be held at McCall Church of God on December 3 at 2 p.m. According to Garner’s obituary,
(TagstoTranslate)US News(T)Car Accidents(T)Investigations(T)Mayor(T)South Carolina
