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Woman killed by flying umbrella at South Carolina restaurant
Officials said strong winds lifted a patio umbrella and killed a 56-year-old woman as the restaurant reviews weather conditions.
- On Saturday night, 56-year-old Dana Weinger of Huger died after a sudden gust lifted a table umbrella at Driftwood Grill on Lake Marion in Summerton, striking her while dining with her husband. Clarendon County Coroner Jacqueline Blackwell identified the victim on Monday with an autopsy scheduled for Wednesday at MUSC Charleston.
- Severe storms that struck the Lake Marion area Saturday night created conditions loosening the umbrella from its table. Coroner Blackwell described the wind as "a strong, strong wind, like a microburst that came through and knocked not just the umbrella, it knocked all of the furniture."
- Clarendon County Sheriff Tim Baxley confirmed the umbrella severed Weinger's carotid artery, while first responders found her with head and neck lacerations; EMS crews performed life-saving measures but could not revive her. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates show 2,800 people were injured by flying umbrellas nationwide from 2010 through 2018.
- Driftwood Grill released a statement Monday thanking emergency personnel and acknowledging the incident "deeply affected many people in our community, including guests, staff, first responders, and everyone involved." The restaurant offered grief counseling to staff and community members through local chaplain services.
- Coroner Blackwell emphasized "This is not an everyday occurrence" as officials review weather data alongside emergency managers to understand the extreme conditions. An autopsy scheduled for Wednesday will provide additional investigative details as authorities classify the case as an accident.
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A woman died during the Fallen Day weekend after being hit by an umbrella that flew out due to strong winds
Woman killed by flying restaurant umbrella in freak accident at South Carolina lakeside restaurant
A freak accident at a South Carolina restaurant killed 56-year-old Dana Weinger after a gust of wind dislodged an umbrella that struck her in the neck, authorities say.
·New York, United States
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Total News Sources96
Leaning Left10Leaning Right7Center60Last UpdatedBias Distribution78% Center
Bias Distribution
- 78% of the sources are Center
78% Center
13%
C 78%
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