Winds during a storm in South Carolina blew up a restaurant umbrella, injuring a woman’s neck, authorities said.
CLARENDON COUNTY, S.C. — A woman died after being struck by a restaurant umbrella that blew away in a gust of wind while dining at a restaurant. Storm in South Carolina.
Driftwood Grille, home of the Lazy Gator restaurant, described a “tragic incident” that occurred Saturday night during a severe weather emergency in Lake Marion, Clarendon County.
Clarendon County Sheriff Tim Baxley confirmed to News19 that the wind blew an umbrella at the scene, causing a woman to suffer a neck injury. The Sheriff asked the coroner’s office for more information about the incident.
Coroner Jacqueline Blackwell said the woman died at the scene and a post-mortem examination was due to be carried out on Wednesday. The woman’s name has not been released, but the coroner said she was a 56-year-old woman from Huger.
The incident “deeply impacted many in the community,” the restaurant said in a post Sunday afternoon.
“Out of respect for the family and those affected, we ask for continued prayers, sympathy and privacy during this extremely difficult time,” the restaurant said in a statement Sunday.
The restaurant also thanks emergency responders and community members who assisted.
