Full Breakdown
Fatal Umbrella Accident at Driftwood Grill on Lake Marion
5/26/2026, 11:39:55 PM
Incident Overview
On Saturday, May 23, 2026, 56-year-old Dana Winger was dining with her husband on the patio of Driftwood Grill Home of the Lazy Gator, a lakeside restaurant on Lake Marion in Summerton, South Carolina. A sudden gust dislodged a patio umbrella that struck her in the head and neck. EMS arrived after a 7:40 p.m. call, could not revive her, and she was pronounced dead at 8:43 p.m. No other injuries were reported.
Weather Context
The umbrella was blown off during a sudden severe weather event that produced microburst-like winds across Lake Marion. Coroner Jacqueline Blackwell called the wind “a strong, strong wind, like a microburst.”
Key Parties
Key parties: victim Dana Winger, Coroner Jacqueline Blackwell, Sheriff Tim Bazley, Driftwood Grill, Clarendon EMS/Fire.
Timeline
7:30 p.m. – Dispatch receives call; 7:40 p.m. – EMS/Fire arrive; 8:43 p.m. – death pronounced; May 27 – autopsy scheduled.
Official Statements & Responses
Driftwood Grill posted a Facebook condolence message, saying tragedy “affected people in our community, including guests, staff, first responders, and everyone involved,” and asked for prayers, compassion, privacy while thanking Clarendon County Fire Department, Fire Marshal’s Office, responders, announcing grief-support session for staff and patrons. Coroner’s office ruled death an accident and said autopsy will determine precise cause.
Community Response
Residents posted tributes on social media, calling Winger a “second mother” to their children and praising her decade-long community support. One user wrote, “Missing her so much… This lady … is not a friend. She is family.” The restaurant’s support session was described as providing “more than words can express.”
Conflicting Details
Sources differ on the victim’s surname (Winger, Weinger, Weigner) and injury description—some cite a head/neck laceration, others a severed carotid artery. No official clarification has been issued; wind speed and umbrella-safety protocols remain unknown.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is not an everyday occurrence. This is just one of those tragic things that happen,” — Jacqueline Blackwell, Clarendon County Coroner
- “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,” — Jacqueline Blackwell
- “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 (Facebook statement)
- “This lady … is not a friend. She is family. Second Mom to my kids. I can't get over this. It hurts more than I can imagine.” — Community member, Facebook post
What’s Next
The autopsy scheduled for May 27 at the Medical University of South Carolina will determine precise cause of death. The coroner’s office will continue reviewing weather data and may issue safety recommendations for outdoor dining during severe storms. Driftwood Grill will keep grief-counseling resources available for staff and patrons.
