A South Carolina woman died after being struck by a patio umbrella that was reportedly lifted by strong winds during a storm near Lake Marion.
Authorities identified the victim as 56-year-old Dana Weinger of Berkeley County.
The tragic incident happened on the evening of May 23 at the Driftwood Grill restaurant in Summerton as severe weather moved through the area.
Umbrella Reportedly Hit Victim in Head and Neck
According to Clarendon County Coroner Jacqueline Blackwell, Weinger was dining with her husband when a sudden gust of wind tore an umbrella loose from a nearby table.
Officials said the umbrella struck her in the head and neck around 7:40 p.m.
Emergency crews responded quickly and attempted life-saving measures at the scene, but Weinger was pronounced dead about an hour later.
Authorities said an accidental death investigation is ongoing, and an autopsy is scheduled at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Restaurant Had Just Opened Before Incident
The Driftwood Grill had officially opened only one day earlier on May 22, according to the restaurant’s social media posts.
The restaurant, located on Dingle Pond Road, had been preparing for a busy Memorial Day weekend and described itself online as the “Home of the Lazy Gator.”
Following the incident, the business shared a public statement expressing sympathy for the victim’s family and everyone affected by the tragedy.
The restaurant also thanked emergency responders and community members who assisted during the incident.
Similar Umbrella Death Happened in South Carolina
Officials noted that this was at least the second deadly umbrella-related accident reported in South Carolina in recent years.
In 2022, a 63-year-old woman named Tammy Perreault died after a beach umbrella was carried by strong winds and struck her at Garden City beach.
That incident received national attention because of the unusual and tragic circumstances.
Umbrella Injuries More Common Than Many Realize
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, thousands of people are injured each year in umbrella-related accidents across the United States.
Reports show that from 2010 to 2018, nearly 2,800 people were treated for injuries caused by wind-blown umbrellas.
Officials also reported more than 32,000 umbrella-related injuries nationwide between 2009 and 2018.
