Berkeley County woman killed by airborne umbrella at Lake Marion restaurant

CLARENDON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) - A Berkeley County woman died after she was struck by a windblown umbrella while dining on the patio of a Lake Marion restaurant, officials said. The incident happened May 23 at the Driftwood Grill in Summerton, according to the Clarendon County Coroner’s Office. Coroner Jacqueline Blackwell said first responders were called around 7:40 p.m. for a reported laceration. When they arrived, a woman was found unresponsive with injuries to her head and neck. “EMS followed protocol but could not revive her,” Blackwell said in a news release. According to the coroner, the woman and her husband were dining on the patio when a sudden, strong wind lifted an umbrella from a table and struck her. The coroner’s office pronounced her dead at 8:43 p.m. She was identified as Dana Weinger of Huger. An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. The death is being investigated as an accident. The restaurant said the incident occurred as severe weather moved through the area. In a statement posted to Facebook, Driftwood Grill expressed condolences to those affected. “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 statement said. “This has deeply affected many people in our community, including guests, staff, first responders, and everyone involved.” The restaurant also thanked emergency personnel who responded.