Woman dies killed by flying umbrella in freak accident as family watches on
An American woman has tragically passed away after being struck by a flying umbrella while out for a meal.
Dana Winger was the victim of the freak accident during a brief spell of severe weather in South Carolina, and tragically died at the restaurant in front of her family.
The 56-year-old was eating at Driftwood Grill Home, a diner on the banks of Lake Marion, when the horrific accident occurred on the Memorial Day weekend.
Winger was struck by the umbrella following a 'strong wind', with the device striking her in the head and the neck area, leaving lacerations that sadly proved to be fatal, as she was found unresponsive at the scene.
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Clarendon County Coroner Jacqueline Blackwell told KTVB: “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."
A sheriff later confirmed that the umbrella had severed Winger's carotid artery and she was pronounced dead at the scene. The case is being treated as an accident, with an autopsy taking place earlier this week.
“This is not an everyday occurrence. This is just one of those tragic things that happen,” Blackwell added.
Meanwhile, Driftwood Grill also paid tribute to Winger and her family following the horrible accident which has impacted a huge number of people.
“Our hearts are with the family, friends, and loved ones affected by the tragic incident during last night’s sudden severe weather event at Lake Marion,” it said.
"This has impacted many people, including staff members, guests, first responders, families, and community members, and we are grateful for the continued support, prayers, understanding, and encouragement being shown throughout the area,” the restaurant added.
Cameron Winger, the son of Dana's husband Frank, also paid tribute online: “I love you forever Mrs. Dana. I’m so sorry.”
In a subsequent post, he promised to make sure his dad and the rest of his family are OK following the tragedy.
“Just because y’all are no longer here with us doesn’t mean y’all won’t live through us,” he wrote.
“Y’all both made such a great impact on everyone y’all came in contact with and there’s nothing in the world that could make up for what has happened.”
Heather Iosa, who described Winger as a second mother to her own children, also penned an emotional goodbye to her friend.
She wrote: “Dana has been there with me through thick and then. I’m so glad we had dinner just two weeks ago and I got to see you.
“She has the biggest heart ever and I’m going to miss her so very much.”
Topics: Weather
James Moorhouse