Tragedy in South Carolina restaurant: an umbrella flew away and killed a woman
A woman died over Memorial Day weekend after being struck by an umbrella that flew away due to high winds.
A woman died Saturday night after a patio umbrella was lifted by a gust of wind and struck her while she and her husband were dining at a lakefront restaurant in South Carolina.
The incident occurred at a restaurant located on the shores of Lake Marion, in the town of Summerton, Clarendon County authorities reported, ABC News reported.
According to the Clarendon County Coroner's Office, the couple was dining in the outdoor area of the establishment when “a sudden strong wind lifted an umbrella off a table,” impacting the woman in the head and neck.
The victim died at the scene
Emergency teams went to the restaurant after receiving the report of the accident. However, when they arrived they found the woman unconscious and with severe lacerations to her head and neck.
Authorities confirmed that the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
The deceased was a resident of Huger, South Carolina, although authorities did not publicly release her identity.
The coroner reported that the autopsy was scheduled for Wednesday at the Medical University of South Carolina.
The Driftwood Grill Home of the Lazy Gator restaurant confirmed that the incident occurred during a “sudden and severe weather event” in Lake Marion.
In a statement published on social networks, the establishment expressed its condolences to the family and assured that the incident deeply affected employees, customers and first responders.
“This has deeply affected many people in our community, including guests, workers, first responders and everyone involved,” the restaurant said.
The community received support after the incident
The restaurant also reported that it organized a support session on Monday with authorities, chaplains and other specialists to emotionally assist people affected by the incident.
“This has impacted many people, including staff members, customers, first responders, families and community members,” the statement added.
Authorities continue to investigate the case, although the death is being preliminarily treated as an accident.