SOUTH CAROLINA — A woman died Saturday after strong winds reportedly caught an umbrella at a restaurant on Lake Marion during severe storms in Clarendon County, according to authorities.
The incident happened at the Driftwood Grill, Home of the Lazy Gator, during sudden severe weather that moved through the area Saturday.
Clarendon County Sheriff Tim Baxley told News19 that wind caught an umbrella at the restaurant, causing a woman to suffer a fatal neck injury. Baxley said additional details would be handled by the coroner’s office.
Clarendon County Coroner Jacqueline Blackwell said the 56-year-old woman, who was from Huger, died at the scene. Her name has not yet been released publicly. An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday.
In a statement posted Sunday, the restaurant described the incident as tragic and said it had “deeply affected many people” in the community.
“Out of respect for the family and those impacted, we ask for continued prayers, compassion, and privacy during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement said.
The restaurant also thanked emergency responders and community members who assisted during the incident.
