Flying umbrella kills woman in freak accident on Virginia Beach - TomoNews
- 8 years ago
VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA — Celebration turned to tragedy after a runaway beach umbrella snuffed a woman’s life out from under her.
WTKR reports that 56-year-old Lottie Michelle Belk was at Virginia Beach on Wednesday to celebrate her upcoming birthday and anniversary.
Winds up to 25 miles per hour had been reported that day. A particularly strong gust uprooted an anchored umbrella and sent it flying across the beach. It flipped around in the sand for ten to fifteen seconds, picking up momentum. Moments later, the sharp end of the umbrella struck Belk, stabbing her right in the chest.
The impact knocked her to the ground, as bystanders rushed to help. Rescuers arrived and brought her to the hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
Belk was a mental health professional from Chesterfield, Virginia. She is survived by her husband and two daughters, according to WAVY.
WTKR reports that 56-year-old Lottie Michelle Belk was at Virginia Beach on Wednesday to celebrate her upcoming birthday and anniversary.
Winds up to 25 miles per hour had been reported that day. A particularly strong gust uprooted an anchored umbrella and sent it flying across the beach. It flipped around in the sand for ten to fifteen seconds, picking up momentum. Moments later, the sharp end of the umbrella struck Belk, stabbing her right in the chest.
The impact knocked her to the ground, as bystanders rushed to help. Rescuers arrived and brought her to the hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
Belk was a mental health professional from Chesterfield, Virginia. She is survived by her husband and two daughters, according to WAVY.