US Couple Dies from Heat Stroke During Hajj Pilgrimage
A US couple, Alhaji Alieu Dausy Wurie, 71, and Haja Isatu Wurie, 65, tragically passed away during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia after enduring over two hours of walking in extreme heat. Their daughter, Saida Wurie, shared with the BBC that her parents had fallen victim to heat stroke amidst temperatures soaring past 122F (50C).
The couple, residents of Bowie, Maryland, were among the approximately 1,300 pilgrims who died during this year’s Hajj. Having paid $11,500 (£9,000) each for the pilgrimage, the Sierra Leone-born Wuries had eagerly anticipated this significant spiritual journey, which they had dreamed of undertaking their entire lives.
Saida Wurie recounted that her parents’ tour group, organized by a Maryland-based American company, failed to provide essential supplies, including promised meals and adequate water. The group, consisting of nearly 100 pilgrims, left many fending for themselves in the blistering heat. Saida’s parents informed her they were “taking it a day at a time” and focused on staying hydrated despite the harsh conditions.
After going missing on June 16, two weeks into their stay in Saudi Arabia, the couple was later confirmed dead by consular officials and a fellow tour group member. In their final text message to their daughter, they mentioned they had been walking for over two hours, struggling against the severe heat.
The grieving daughter discovered her parents’ burial site with the assistance of consular officials, although the exact location within the cemetery remains unknown. She expressed frustration over the lack of their personal belongings and the many unanswered questions surrounding their deaths. Saida plans to travel to Saudi Arabia to locate her parents’ graves.
The tour company, which had promised proper visas and registration, is also under scrutiny. The official Saudi news agency SPA reported that many pilgrims lacked official permits, which are both costly and difficult to obtain.
The annual Hajj pilgrimage draws millions of Muslims to Mecca, with around 1.8 million participating this year. Completing Hajj at least once is a crucial religious duty for those who are physically and financially able. However, Saudi Arabia faces criticism for not enhancing safety measures, especially for unregistered pilgrims who struggle to access air-conditioned areas and other amenities designated for those with official permits.
Saudi Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel has noted recent efforts to increase awareness of heat stress among pilgrims. Nonetheless, the deaths of the Wuries highlight the ongoing challenges and risks associated with the pilgrimage under extreme weather conditions.
