SUMMERTON, S.C. — A routine dinner on the patio of a lakeside restaurant turned fatal Saturday evening when a powerful gust of wind sent a table umbrella flying, striking and killing a 57-year-old woman.
The Clarendon County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Dana Weinger. She was dining with her husband at the Driftwood Grill on Lake Marion when the incident occurred around 7:40 p.m., according to Coroner Jacqueline Blackwell.
First responders arrived to find Weinger unresponsive with severe injuries to her head and neck. “EMS followed protocol but could not revive her,” Blackwell said in a statement. Weinger was pronounced dead at 8:43 p.m.
The coroner described the event as a “freak accident,” noting that the umbrella was lifted by a sudden, strong wind from a nearby table before striking Weinger. No charges have been filed, and the restaurant has cooperated with authorities.
The Driftwood Grill, a popular spot for locals and tourists on Lake Marion, has not commented publicly. The incident has raised questions about outdoor dining safety, particularly in regions prone to sudden storms.
South Carolina has seen a series of unusual weather-related incidents in recent months. The state has also been at the center of political turmoil over redistricting battles, including a controversial special session called by Governor McMaster.
Weinger’s death is a stark reminder of how quickly outdoor leisure can turn tragic. “It’s heartbreaking,” said a local resident who declined to be named. “You don’t expect something like this to happen over dinner.”
Authorities continue to investigate, though they have indicated no foul play is suspected. The coroner’s office has not yet released an official cause of death pending further examination.
The restaurant remains open, but staff have reportedly secured all umbrellas and are reviewing safety protocols. For now, the community mourns a life cut short by an unpredictable gust of wind.
