An American couple, who had long dreamed of participating in the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, has tragically passed away.
Alieu Wurie, 71, and Isatu Wurie, 65, died during the annual five-day pilgrimage as temperatures soared above 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
According to BBC reports, they had been walking for over two hours in the intense heat before succumbing to heat stroke.
They were among more than 1,300 people who died this year in Mecca, the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad, due to extreme heat.
Their daughter, Saida Wurie, shared with News4 on Sunday her final conversation with her parents.
“She let me know that they had been walking for over two hours to get to Mount Arafat, which is part of the Hajj process.
The conditions were far from ideal. They were supposed to have transportation provided, which they had paid for, but it wasn’t available.
Despite everything, they continued walking, driven by their faith.
It was a lifelong dream for them. They were incredibly excited,” she said.
Saudi officials reported on Sunday that more than 1,300 pilgrims died during the Hajj, which Muslims are expected to undertake at least once in their lifetimes
