Disgraced mayor killed in head-on car crash while fleeing cops in police chase

Mayor George Garner II was under investigation when he died in a car crash while being "pursued" by police having recently faced a crisis in his town when all its officers resigned

A mayor has died in a car crash while being "pursued" by police just days after officers suddenly resigned in fury amid claims of a town official's "hostile work environment."

George Garner II, 49, the mayor of McColl, South Carolina, died when his 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe smashed into another vehicle on Tuesday. His death came just five days after the town's entire police force resigned.

At the time of the crash, newly elected Garner II "was being pursued" by a Marboro County sheriff's deputy, according to a coroner. The Darlington County Coroner said in a Facebook post shared on November 27: "The incident occurred on Hwy 34 in Mechanicsville around 2:40 PM. Mr. Garner was the Mayor of McColl, SC and had recently been re-elected.

"The incident is under investigation by The Darlington County Coroner and the SCHP MAIT team. When the incident occurred Mr. Garner was being pursued by a Marlboro County Deputy.

"The pursuit was not related to any laws being broken. The pursuit was taking place in an effort to protect the well being of Mr. Garner."

Following his death, sources told local network WBTW that the mayor was connected to an active investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Details of the investigation were not further disclosed to the network.

Garner II recently won re-election in McColl, a town of about 2,000 people. But his administration faced a recent crisis when the police force quit last week.

McColl chief Bob Hale resigned alongside his five officers citing alleged harassment by an unidentified council member, whom he accused of creating a "hostile work environment." The former chief added in a social media statement that further created "a toxic atmosphere that has hindered the department's ability to function effectively.

"Despite our efforts to address these issues professionally and through appropriate channels, the harassment and hospitality have persisted." He also complained about receiving less funding.

At the time Garner II said the resignations left the town in a "difficult situation" but that he felt no ill feelings toward the police chief. According to the New York Post, he added: "“I hate to see them go. They were a great group. But we’re gonna continue on." He went on to vow to hire more police officers.

Following his death, Brian Blue has taken over mayoral duties. He told WPDE: "I know it’s a hard time right now for our town, but us as a council and me as your mayor Pro tempore, we will continue fighting for you all."

The crash continues to be under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.