A quiet dinner out with her husband turned into an unthinkable tragedy when a South Carolina woman was killed by a flying patio umbrella during a sudden burst of severe weather.

Dana Weinger, 56, of Huger, South Carolina, was dining on the patio at Driftwood Grill in Summerton on Saturday evening, May 23, when powerful winds swept through the Lake Marion area, according to local reports.

What happened next was the kind of freak accident no one could have seen coming.

Authorities said a strong gust of wind ripped an umbrella loose from a table on the restaurant’s patio. The umbrella then struck Weinger in the neck, severing her carotid artery, Clarendon County Sheriff Tim Baxley told WIS.

Weinger died at the scene despite efforts to save her.

The Clarendon County Coroner’s Office confirmed her identity, and an autopsy is expected to be performed Wednesday, May 27, according to reports.

The horrific incident unfolded as storms moved through the area, turning an ordinary dinner into chaos within moments. Weinger had reportedly been out to eat with her husband when the umbrella became airborne.

Driftwood Grill later addressed the tragedy in a statement on social media, saying the restaurant was devastated by what happened during the “sudden severe weather event” at Lake Marion.

“Our hearts are with the family, friends, and loved ones affected by the tragic incident,” the restaurant said.

The restaurant said the tragedy has shaken not only the victim’s loved ones, but also guests, employees, first responders and the wider 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 continued.

Driftwood Grill also thanked first responders in a follow-up message on Monday, May 25.

The bizarre death is a chilling reminder of just how dangerous patio umbrellas can become when sudden winds hit. Similar incidents have been reported in the past, including beachgoers and lifeguards being impaled by umbrellas caught in powerful gusts.

But for Weinger’s family, what began as a simple meal by the water ended in a sudden and heartbreaking loss.

Authorities have not released additional details about the investigation.