Dana Weinger, Summerton: A quiet evening by Lake Marion turned deadly in seconds for a South Carolina woman enjoying dinner with her husband. Dana Weinger, 56, of Huger, was dining outdoors when a sudden burst of strong wind swept across the waterfront.
The incident happened Saturday evening at Driftwood Grill Home of the Lazy Gator in Summerton. It was around 7:40 p.m. when the weather shifted without much warning.
According to local officials, Dana and her husband were seated on the restaurant’s patio overlooking Lake Marion. The atmosphere was calm at first, with guests enjoying the lakeside view and evening air.
That calm did not last. Investigators say strong winds moved through the area suddenly and with force. A patio umbrella from a nearby table was lifted into the air.
The umbrella struck Dana directly in the head and neck area. The impact caused severe injuries, and she collapsed at the scene.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, but she was already unresponsive. She suffered major lacerations and could not be revived. She was pronounced dead at the restaurant.
Authorities later confirmed the case is being treated as an accident. An autopsy has been scheduled in Charleston at the Medical University of South Carolina to further confirm details.
The restaurant later acknowledged the tragedy, saying the storm arrived suddenly and deeply affected everyone present, including guests, staff, and first responders. Support sessions were also held for those impacted in the days that followed.
Lake Marion, where the incident took place, is known for its calm waterfront dining and recreational activities, making the sudden turn of events even more shocking to those familiar with the area.
Investigators have not confirmed whether any weather warnings were active at the time. The full circumstances around the wind event remain under review.
