Loose umbrella fatally strikes woman at lakeside restaurant in South Carolina over Memorial Day

A South Carolina woman was killed over Memorial Day weekend after strong winds sent an umbrella flying into her while she dined at a lakeside restaurant.

Dana Weinger, 56, of Huger, was eating at the Driftwood Grill on Lake Marion Saturday when the umbrella struck her in the neck and severed her carotid artery, according to Clarendon County Coroner Jacqueline Blackwell, WIS 10 reports. Emergency responders arrived and found her unresponsive with a laceration to the head and neck area. They attempted life-saving efforts at the scene, but Weinger was pronounced dead at 8:43 p.m.

“Our hearts are with the family, friends, and loved ones affected by the tragic incident during last night’s sudden severe weather event at Lake Marion,” Driftwood Grill wrote in a statement on Facebook.

“This has deeply affected many people in our community, including guests, staff, first responders, and everyone involved. Out of respect for the family and those impacted, we ask for continued prayers, compassion, and privacy during this incredibly difficult time,” the restaurant added.

Restaurant officials thanked emergency responders and community members who helped during the incident and asked for prayers for those affected.

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An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday, according to the coroner’s office, WIS 10 reports. Her death is being investigated as an accident.

Blackwell described the sudden, and severe, thunderstorm to WLTX as “a strong, strong wind, like a microburst that came through and knocked not just the umbrella, it knocked all of the furniture and other debris came onto where they were sitting.”

She added that Weinger was dining with her husband, as well as other family members, at the time of the incident.

“It was very emotional for him, and I spoke with the owners of the restaurant, and they said all the family members were gathered there as well. They were there eating, dining, they had a large crowd,” Blackwell told the outlet.

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