South Carolina woman dies from injuries by airborne umbrella at restaurant

The Clarendon County coroner identified the woman who died after being struck by an airborne umbrella during strong winds at a Lake Marion restaurant Saturday night.

A night out at Driftwood Grill on Lake Marion turned deadly Saturday just after 7:30, when Clarendon County dispatch got a call that a woman was unresponsive after being struck by a flying umbrella during sudden strong winds.

When first responders arrived, they found 56-year-old Dana Weigner with injuries to her head and neck. EMS worked to save her life on scene, but the coroner said she could not be revived.

The restaurant, Driftwood Grill: Home of the Lazy Gator, sits near the Palmetto Shores Campground on Lake Marion.

Jacqueline Blackwell, the coroner for Clarendon County, said strong wind gusts were reported at the time and is now working with emergency managers to review official weather data from Saturday night.

“It was a strong, strong wind, like a microburst that came through and knocked not just the umbrella. It knocked all of the furniture and other debris came onto where they were sitting,” Blackwell said.

Investigators said Weigner was at the restaurant with her husband and other family members when it happened.

“It was very emotional for him,” Blackwell said. “I spoke with the owners of the restaurant, and they say all the family members were gathered there as well. They were there eating; they had a large crowd.”

Restaurant owners declined to speak to reporters out of respect for the family but did mention grief counseling has been offered to staff, family and the community.

In a post online they shared, “Out of respect for the family and those impacted, we ask for continued prayers, compassion and privacy during this incredibly difficult time.”

“This is not an everyday occurrence,” Blackwell said. “This is just one of those tragic things that happens.”