A night out at a South Carolina lakefront restaurant turned deadly when a woman was struck by a flying umbrella during severe weather.
Dana Winger, 56, of Huger, South Carolina, was dining with her husband on the patio at Driftwood Grill in Summerton on Saturday evening, May 23, when heavy storms moved through the area.
According to the Clarendon County Coroner’s Office, a strong gust of wind loosened an umbrella from a table and sent it flying.
The umbrella struck Winger in the head and neck area.
When emergency crews arrived, she was found unresponsive with a laceration. EMS tried to revive her, but she could not be saved.
Winger was pronounced dead, authorities said.
The shocking incident happened at Driftwood Grill, a waterfront restaurant on Lake Marion.
The coroner said an autopsy is expected to be performed at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston on Wednesday, May 27.
Following the tragedy, Driftwood Grill shared a statement on social media expressing heartbreak over what happened during the sudden severe weather event.
“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.
The restaurant added that the tragedy has shaken many people in the 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 statement continued.
Driftwood Grill later posted another update thanking first responders for their efforts.
Authorities have not released additional details about the incident.
