56-Year-Old Woman Dies After Restaurant Umbrella Blown by Strong Winds Strikes Her Throat
A 56-year-old American woman died in South Carolina when a restaurant umbrella blown by strong winds struck her throat, severely damaging her carotid artery during a meal with her family.
A 56-year-old American woman died in a freak accident while dining with her family at a lakeside restaurant in South Carolina, USA, after a powerful gust of wind ripped the restaurant's large umbrella from its base and struck her throat forcefully.
The incident occurred Saturday evening at Driftwood Grill Home of the Lazy Gator near Lake Marion in Summerton. Dana Weinger was spending time with her husband and several relatives inside the restaurant during what seemed like a normal meal when the weather suddenly changed dramatically.
According to reports, a strong wind gust—similar to a microburst—lifted the restaurant's large umbrella into the air, turning it into a dangerous projectile that struck Weinger's neck. The impact severely damaged her carotid artery, a critical blood vessel in the neck, and she subsequently died.
Emergency medical personnel responded immediately upon notification but found Weinger unconscious and unresponsive when they arrived. She was pronounced dead at the scene, shocking customers and family members present during the incident.
Jacqueline Blackwell, a coroner with the Clarendon County coroner's office, revealed that such incidents are extremely rare. She explained that a powerful wind similar to a microburst swept through rapidly, not only lifting the umbrella but also scattering tables, chairs, and other items throughout the restaurant.
Blackwell noted that Weinger's husband is in a state of deep grief, as everything happened in front of his family during an ordinary moment of shared dining before it became an unimaginable tragedy.
Following the incident, Driftwood Grill posted a message of sympathy on Facebook, stating that the event has impacted the victim's family, customers, employees, and first responders. The restaurant requested that the community offer support and respect the privacy of all those affected.
The restaurant has also coordinated with local authorities to provide mental health counseling to employees and community members following this shocking event that has deeply affected many in the lakeside area.
