If there was a more tragic way and day to die, this was it. A woman was declared dead after she was impaled by a flying umbrella that got caught in the winds as she celebrated her birthday on the beach.
Lottie Michelle Belk, 55, had reportedly been celebrating her birthday and anniversary when a strong gust blew the anchored parasol across the sand and fatally stabbed her in the chest.
The mother-of-two, who also had two stepchildren, was taken to hospital after the incident at 5pm on Virgina Beach, U.S., but died of her injuries.
Her eldest daughter, Ashley Denton, paid tribute to her mother, describing her as a "loving lady" who had worked in the mental health profession for several years.
She added that Lottie had recently earned her Master's Degree in business from Strayer University.
Police said they are investigating the incident, though there is no evidence of foul play.
Witnesses have described the incident as one of the 'scariest things they have ever seen'.
"I saw the umbrella go up in the air, and literally hit the woman, knocking her to the side."
"It was probably the most scariest things I've ever seen."