In a tragic accident at Driftwood Grill on Lake Marion, South Carolina, 56-year-old Dana Weigner from Huger lost her life after being struck by an airborne umbrella. The incident occurred during a sudden burst of strong winds on Saturday evening.

Community in Mourning

Clarendon County Coroner Jacqueline Blackwell confirmed that Weigner suffered a fatal neck injury. Emergency services received a call around 7:30 p.m. reporting an unresponsive woman at the restaurant. Despite life-saving efforts by EMS crews, Weigner could not be revived.

Weigner was dining with her husband and other family members when the unexpected winds swept through, causing the umbrella and other debris to become airborne. Coroner Blackwell described the event as a rare and tragic occurrence, emphasizing the strength of the winds that evening.

Restaurant and Community Response

The owners of Driftwood Grill, located near Palmetto Shores Campground, expressed their condolences and have offered grief counseling to staff, family members, and the community. They have requested privacy for the family during this difficult time and have asked for continued prayers and compassion.

Officials are currently reviewing weather data from the night of the incident to better understand the conditions that led to this unfortunate event. The restaurant’s statement highlighted the impact on guests, staff, and first responders, acknowledging the community’s support and the efforts of emergency personnel.

This incident has deeply affected the local community, as residents come together to support the grieving family and those involved. The tragic loss of Dana Weigner serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of severe weather events.

Original reporting: WQAD (Quad Cities) — read the source article.