A family dinner at a lakeside South Carolina restaurant ended in tragedy when a powerful gust of wind reportedly turned a patio umbrella into a deadly projectile.
Authorities said 56-year-old Dana Weinger was dining with her husband and relatives Saturday night at Driftwood Grill Home of the Lazy Gator near Lake Marion when severe weather suddenly swept through the area, per Fox News.
According to Clarendon County Sheriff Tim Baxley, strong winds ripped an umbrella loose from the restaurant’s outdoor seating area and sent it flying into Weinger.
The umbrella struck her in the neck and severed her carotid artery, officials said.
Emergency crews rushed to the restaurant after receiving reports of the accident, but Weinger was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead at the scene.
Clarendon County Coroner Jacqueline Blackwell described the incident as an extraordinarily rare tragedy.
“This is not an everyday occurrence,” Blackwell told KTVB. “This is just one of those tragic things that happen.”
Officials said the sudden weather event appeared to be extremely intense and brief.
“It was 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,” Blackwell said.
The coroner also described the emotional aftermath at the restaurant, where Weinger’s family had gathered for the evening meal.
“It was very emotional for him, and I spoke with the owners of the restaurant, and they say all the family members were gathered there as well,” Blackwell said of Weinger’s husband.
“They were there eating, dining, they had a large crowd.”
Following the incident, Driftwood Grill released a public statement offering condolences to the family and thanking emergency personnel who responded.
“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,” the restaurant wrote on Facebook.
“This has deeply affected many people in our community, including guests, staff, first responders, and everyone involved.”
The restaurant also asked for privacy and prayers for everyone impacted by the tragedy.
“We are grateful for the emergency personnel and community members who responded and assisted during the situation,” the statement continued.
Restaurant officials later announced they were working with local authorities to arrange grief counseling services for employees and community members affected by the incident.
