A Maryland couple was among the over 1,300 Hajj pilgrims killed by the severe heatwave in Saudi Arabia.
U.S. Senate candidate Angela Alsobrooks announced on Sunday that Alhaji Alieu Dausy and Haja Isatu Wurie had died during the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca due to the extreme heat.
Alsobrooks, a Democrat, said in a statement that the pair were "beloved members of #TeamAlsoBrooks." She described Wurie as an "incredibly active member of our community" who was "making transformational impacts that were felt both locally and globally."
"Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with their families during this difficult time. Their loss is profound, and they will be deeply missed," Alsobrooks added.
The announcement came as Saudi Arabia's Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel revealed that 1,301 people on the Hajj pilgrimage have died. The minister noted that 83% of the deceased were unauthorized to perform the Hajj, when hundreds of thousands undertake long journeys under the scorching sun to reach Mecca.
The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the five main tenets of Islam. Participants are required to register and receive proper permits, but many do not, putting themselves at risk.
This year's Hajj trek began on June 14, with around 1.8 million people registered for the sojourn.