In 2024, a Maryland couple, Haja Isatu Wurie, 65, and Alhaji Alieu Dausy Wurie, 71, tragically died during their Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
They reportedly died due to extreme heat and inadequate support from the tour company they trusted.
The death of Haja Isatu and her husband last gripped the Muslim community both home and abroad because they had prepared for months for their sacred journey to Mecca.
The couple were among more than 1,300 pilgrims who succumbed to soaring temperatures, reaching as high as 110 degrees, reports the BBC and The Washington Post.
Their daughter, Saida Wurie, told The Washington Post that they faced logistical failures, including a lack of proper credentials and transportation, forcing them to endure hours of walking in brutal conditions.
Saida last heard from her mother in a heartbreaking message:
“Sorry my love, we have been walking since the last time you called. Over 2 hrs!! smh.”
The Wuries were beloved figures in Prince George’s County, known for their civic engagement and deep commitment to their Sierra Leonean and Muslim communities.
The family is now seeking justice, vowing to hold the Maryland-based Ehajj and Umrah Tours accountable for its alleged negligence.
