Woman Dies After Patio Umbrella Strikes Her at South Carolina Restaurant

A woman died Saturday evening after a patio umbrella struck her during strong winds at a restaurant along Lake Marion in Summerton, South Carolina, the Clarendon County Coroner's Office said. The woman and her husband were dining on the patio of Driftwood Grill Home of the Lazy Gator when a sudden strong wind blew an umbrella from a table, striking the woman in the head and neck area, according to the coroner's office.

First responders found the woman unresponsive with lacerations to her head and neck. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim was identified as a woman from Huger, South Carolina. An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. The coroner's office stated the death is being investigated as an accident.

The restaurant confirmed the incident occurred during a sudden severe weather event at Lake Marion. It held a support session on Monday with authorities and chaplains for those affected. "This has deeply affected many people in our community, including guests, staff, first responders, and everyone involved," the restaurant said in a statement on social media.