A tragic and unforeseen accident claimed the life of a woman in a quaint South Carolina lakeside town over the weekend. Local officials reported that the incident involved a restaurant umbrella that was dislodged by a sudden gust of wind.
On Saturday evening, 56-year-old Dana Weinger was enjoying an outing with her husband and family at the Driftwood Grill, located at Lake Marion in Summerton. The peaceful gathering turned deadly when an unexpected breeze uprooted an umbrella, transforming it into a dangerous projectile.
According to Clarendon County Sheriff Tim Baxley, the umbrella struck Weinger in the neck, leading to a fatal injury by severing her carotid artery. Despite the swift response of local EMS workers, who arrived promptly at the scene, Weinger was found unresponsive and tragically pronounced dead on site.
In the aftermath of this heartbreaking event, aerial images capture the serene beauty of Lake Marion at sunset, a stark contrast to the tragedy that unfolded. The images, taken in Santee, South Carolina, are a poignant reminder of the town’s otherwise peaceful charm. (Photo by David Garrison/Getty Images)
Aerial views show Lake Marion at sunset in Santee, S.C. (David Garrison/Getty Images)
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Clarendon County Coroner Jacqueline Blackwell described the accident in an interview with KTVB.
“This is not an everyday occurrence,” Blackwell reportedly said. “This is just one of those tragic things that happen.”
“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,” she continued.
The accident occurred at Lake Marion in South Carolina. (Wirestock/Getty Images)
Blackwell described Weinger’s husband as “emotional.”
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“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. “They were there eating, dining, they had a large crowd.”
The Driftwood Grill offered condolences and expressed gratitude to first responders on its Facebook page.
“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 said Sunday morning.
Red umbrellas shade outdoor tables on a patio with views and green grass. (Adventure_Photo/Getty Images)
“This has deeply affected many people in our community, including guests, staff, first responders, and everyone involved,” the post continued. Out of respect for the family and those impacted, we ask for continued prayers, compassion, and privacy during this incredibly difficult time.”
“We are grateful for the emergency personnel and community members who responded and assisted during the situation,” the post finished. “Please continue to keep everyone affected in your thoughts and prayers.”
The restaurant is also coordinating with local officials to offer grief counselors to staff and members of the community, according to a later Facebook post.