South Carolina woman dies after umbrella blown by gust

A 56-year-old woman died after being struck by a patio umbrella that was lifted by a sudden, powerful gust of wind while she was dining at a South Carolina restaurant over the Memorial Day weekend. The incident occurred on the evening of Saturday, May 23, at the Driftwood Grill Home of the Lazy Gator on Lake Marion in Summerton.

The woman has been identified by the Clarendon County Coroner's Office as Dana Winger of Huger, South Carolina. She was on the restaurant's patio with her husband and other family members when the weather event, described by officials as a severe thunderstorm or microburst, dislodged the umbrella. The projectile struck Winger in the head and neck area.

First responders arrived to find Winger unresponsive with lacerations to her head and neck. Emergency medical personnel attempted lifesaving measures at the scene, but she could not be revived and was pronounced dead at 8:43 p.m. that evening. Clarendon County Coroner Jacqueline Blackwell said the wind was so strong it knocked over all the furniture and other debris in the area where the family was seated.

The coroner's office stated the death is being investigated as an accident. An autopsy is scheduled...