A FAMILY meal turned into a nightmare when a patio umbrella was hurled through the air and struck a diner in the neck.

The freak accident unfolded during a sudden burst of severe weather at a lakeside restaurant over Memorial Day weekend.

A smiling woman with long blonde hair and a man with a beard and dark hair stand together in front of a wooden wall.
Dana Winger, 56, was eating outside with her husband and other relatives Saturday at Driftwood Grill Home of the Lazy Gator when she was hit by an umbrellaCredit: Unknown
 

Exterior view of the Lazy Gator restaurant and bar.
The freak accident unfolded during a sudden burst of severe weather at the lakeside restaurant over Memorial Day weekendCredit: Unknown
Dana Winger, 56, was eating outside with her husband and other relatives Saturday at Driftwood Grill Home of the Lazy Gator in Summerton, South Carolina.

The restaurant sits along Lake Marion.

Officials said a powerful gust swept through the patio while diners were seated.

Clarendon County Coroner Jacqueline Blackwell described it as a sudden and violent burst of wind.

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“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,” Blackwell told NBC affiliate KTVB.

The umbrella hit Winger in the head and neck area.

Sheriff Tim Bazley told NBC affiliate WIS the umbrella severed her carotid artery.

First responders rushed to the restaurant after the horrific accident.

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Outdoor dining patio overlooking a lake with umbrellas, tables, and chairs.
Officials said a powerful gust swept through the patio while diners were seatedCredit: Unknown
 

Four smiling women posing outdoors.
Dana Winger’s death is being investigated as an accidentCredit: Unknown
Winger was found unresponsive with lacerations to her head and neck area, officials said.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The coroner’s office said Winger was from Huger, South Carolina.

Her death is being investigated as an accident.

A full autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.

Blackwell said the tragedy was not something authorities see often.

“This is not an everyday occurrence. This is just one of those tragic things that happen,” she said.

The coroner said she had spoken with Winger’s husband after the accident.

“It was very emotional for him, and I spoke with the owners of the restaurant, and they say all the family members were gathered there as well,” Blackwell said.

“They were there eating, dining, they had a large crowd.”

The restaurant said the sudden severe weather event had shaken the community.

“Our hearts are with the family, friends, and loved ones affected by the tragic incident during [Saturday] night’s sudden severe weather event at Lake Marion,” Driftwood Grill said in a statement.

“This has deeply affected many people in our community, including guests, staff, first responders, and everyone involved,” the restaurant added.

The business asked for “continued prayers, compassion, and privacy during this incredibly difficult time.”

The restaurant later held a support session on Monday for those impacted.

The restaurant said the tragedy had shaken workers, diners and first responders who were there that night.

“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,” Driftwood Grill said.

The restaurant also thanked emergency crews, chaplains and grief support teams who met with staff, guests and community members after the accident.

“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 said.