North Carolina Woman Dies on Vodou Retreat in Haiti

Dana Jackson, a 51-year-old woman from North Carolina, tragically died during a Vodou retreat in Haiti where she was learning to become a Manbo priestess. Her son, Timothy Jackson, reported that she traveled to Haiti on July 1 and had been practicing Vodou for four years, feeling a deep connection to the spiritual tradition. Communication was limited during the sacred rituals, and after a final message on July 13, her family lost contact with her until they received news of her death on July 22. Timothy is now seeking answers from the group that organized the retreat, expressing concern over the circumstances surrounding his mother's sudden illness and death. The Vodou community, which he described as a society of trusted individuals, has not provided clarity on what transpired during the ceremonies. This incident raises questions about safety and the practices involved in such spiritual retreats.