The Gambian pilgrim who died in Saudi Arabia on Saturday was a mother-of-six.

Mariama Jallow, from Sinchu in the West Coast Region, was with her husband when she was suddenly hit with a severe chest pain.

The middle-aged mother was rushed to a nearby hospital in Mecca, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

One of her neighbours, who spoke to What’s On-Gambia described her as a loving and caring mother.

“I was with her son when the husband called to inform the family about her sudden death,” said her neighbour. “She was a very caring person, and treated us like her own children.”

Mariama was laid to rest in Mecca with the help of the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council and the Gambian embassy in Saudi Arabia.