Woman killed by patio umbrella while dining at lakeside restaurant: Coroner

Published: Monday, May 25, 2026 at 9:07 pm

Woman Dies After Being Struck by Patio Umbrella

A woman died over the Memorial Day weekend after being struck by a patio umbrella at a lakeside restaurant in South Carolina. According to the Clarendon County Coroner's Office, the incident occurred Saturday evening. The woman and her husband were dining on the restaurant's patio when strong winds caused an umbrella to detach from a table, striking her in the head and neck area.

First responders arrived at the scene to find the woman unresponsive with lacerations. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim was from Huger, South Carolina. An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday. The coroner's office is investigating the death as an accident.

The restaurant, Driftwood Grill Home of the Lazy Gator, confirmed the incident occurred during a "sudden severe weather event." The restaurant expressed its condolences and stated that the incident has deeply affected the community, including guests, staff, and first responders. They held a support session on Monday for those impacted by the tragedy. The restaurant has requested continued prayers, compassion, and privacy for the family and those affected.

BNN's Perspective: This tragic incident highlights the unpredictable nature of weather and the importance of safety precautions, especially in outdoor dining settings. While accidents are unavoidable, restaurants should review their safety protocols, including securing outdoor furniture, to minimize the risk of similar incidents in the future.

Keywords: patio umbrella, death, accident, restaurant, South Carolina, Lake Marion, strong winds, coroner, investigation, severe weather, outdoor dining, safety, tragedy, Memorial Day weekend

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