[News] Woman killed after beach umbrella swept by wind stabbed her in the chest

While there, a beach umbrella was blown from its anchoring by strong winds and it impaled Ms Perreault, Horry County chief deputy coroner Tamara Willard said.

Off-duty medical professionals desperately tried to treat the 63-year-old as they awaited an ambulance.

She was rushed to hospital following the incident but she died an hour later from chest trauma.

Thomas Bell, a spokesperson for Horry County emergency management, said the community was “hurting’” following the “terrible loss”.

Locals and businesses in the area have paid tribute on Facebook.