A sudden gust of wind has turned an ordinary outdoor meal into a devastating tragedy in South Carolina, leaving a 56-year-old diner dead after a loose table umbrella struck her neck. The fatal incident unfolded on May 23 at the outdoor patio of Driftwood Grill, a popular local eatery in Summerville, where the victim, identified as Dana Winger of Huger, was dining with her husband when the unexpected severe wind ripped the patio umbrella from its anchor.
The Clarendon County Coroner’s Office confirmed that first responders arrived at the scene quickly to find Winger unresponsive with a traumatic cut to her head and neck. Despite immediate emergency resuscitation efforts, medics were unable to save her life.
In the wake of the accident, representatives from Driftwood Grill released an official statement via the restaurant’s Facebook page expressing profound sorrow for the loss. “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 read. The restaurant noted that the unforeseen tragedy has left a deep emotional impact on the entire local community, including fellow diners who witnessed the event, restaurant staff, and the first responders who attended the scene. Out of respect for Winger’s grieving family, the establishment asked the public to offer prayers and compassion while respecting their privacy during this devastating period.
One day after the initial statement, on Monday, the restaurant updated the community to share that a professional grief support team had been brought in to provide emotional counseling for staff and community members reeling from the incident. “Today’s support session meant more than words can express to many people who have been emotionally affected by the events of that evening,” the follow-up post said.
Clarendon County Coroner Jacqueline Blackwell told the BBC that the incident is currently being investigated as a tragic accident, with a formal autopsy scheduled to take place on May 27 to confirm the official cause of death. The BBC has reached out to Driftwood Grill, the Clarendon County Fire Department, and the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Department for additional comment and further details on the investigation. No foul play is suspected in connection with Winger’s death, according to initial official accounts.