South Carolina Mom Speared Through The Neck By Runaway Patio Umbrella In Freak Lakeside Death At Restaurant During High Winds

SUMMERTON, S.C. — A South Carolina wife was enjoying a quiet dinner with her husband and relatives when a sudden gust of wind turned a patio umbrella into a deadly missile — slamming it into her neck and killing her in a horrifying freak accident.

Dana Winger, 56, of Huger, was dining outdoors at the Driftwood Grill Home of the Lazy Gator on Lake Marion around 7:40 p.m. Saturday, May 23, when severe weather whipped through the area, officials said.

A powerful blast of wind ripped a large umbrella from its table and hurled it straight at Winger, striking her in the head and neck with devastating force. First responders found her unresponsive with a deep laceration and severe trauma. She was pronounced dead about an hour later.

The Clarendon County Coroner’s Office ruled the shocking death an accident. An autopsy was scheduled for Wednesday at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.“She was just out with her family trying to have a nice evening,” one source close to the investigation told The Post. “Then this happens. It’s unbelievable.”Winger’s husband and other relatives witnessed the nightmare unfold on the restaurant’s patio as storms rolled in over Memorial Day weekend.

Driftwood Grill, a relatively new spot popular for its lakeside views, released a heartfelt statement expressing devastation for the community.“We would like to sincerely thank the Clarendon County Fire Department, emergency personnel, chaplains, grief support team members, and everyone else who took time [to help] following Saturday night’s tragic weather-related incident,” the restaurant said.