Woman dies at beach after being impaled by an airborne umbrella

A 63-year-old woman died on a beach in South Carolina yesterday, Friday, August 12, after being impaled in the chest by a flying umbrella. According to Tamara Willard, the chief deputy coroner, Tammy Perreault was enjoying a day out at Garden City Beach when the incident.

Willard added that Mrs Perreault died from chest trauma at 1:31pm in a hospital emergency room in Waccamaw. On the day of her death, winds were reported to be between 10 and 15mph.

Her death was confirmed in a press release from a public information officer for Horry County, Thomas Bell, who said that Perreault was sitting on the beach when the umbrella became ‘airborne’ and pierced her chest.

“We understand a number of good Samaritans and off-duty medical professionals did provide initial care to the victim on the beach. Their actions to offer comfort and first aid are honourable and appreciated”, said Bell.

He added: “Thank you also to first responders from Murrells Inlet Garden City Fire Rescue, Horry County Police Department Beach Patrol, and Beach Services, Ltd., who provided emergency medical services and transportation to an area hospital”, according to thestate.com.

A local establishment, Scotty’s Beach Bar, on hearing the news, posted a moving tribute the deceased woman on its Facebook profile: “Today with heavy hearts we mourn the loss of a dear friend and kindhearted local, Tammy Perreault. Some things we will never begin to understand but what we do know is no one has a bad thing to say about this woman. To be as sweet as her day in and day out should be a goal for all”.