In what could soon become a legal battle that would draw national attention, a North Carolina man is seeking answers after his mother, Dana Jackson, 51, passed away during a Vodou retreat in Haiti.
Jackson, who had traveled to Haiti with the goal of becoming a Manbo priestess—a role in the Haitian Vodou tradition involving ceremonial duties, healings, and divinations—died under circumstances that have raised significant legal and procedural concerns.
Vodou, an African-origin religion with its roots in the ancient kingdom of Dahomey (modern-day Nigeria, Benin, and Togo), is often misrepresented under various spellings such as “Voodoo.”
This traditional spiritual practice has come under scrutiny as Timothy Jackson, the decedent’s son, seeks to understand the full details surrounding his mother’s death.
Circumstances Leading to Death Under Review
Timothy Jackson reported that his mother left for Haiti on July 1, 2024, to participate in a Vodou retreat organized by Sosyete, a group with which she had established a relationship.
According to Jackson, communication with his mother was restricted as part of the Vodou ritual. Jackson last heard from his mother on July 13, and her final message indicated a period of no communication until July 21.
When Jackson did not receive further communication, he grew concerned.
His fears were confirmed on July 22 when he learned from his grandmother that his mother had passed away.
The initial account provided by the Vodou group described a sequence of medical emergencies, including seizures, a heart attack, and a stroke, but Jackson expressed doubts about the validity of this narrative, particularly regarding allegations that his mother had neglected to bring essential medication.
Legal Concerns and Investigations
The case has raised several legal issues, including potential negligence and the adequacy of medical care provided during the retreat.
Jackson has faced challenges in obtaining concrete information about his mother’s condition and the circumstances of her death.
Efforts to communicate with the Vodou group and the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince have yielded limited results, with Jackson reporting delays in receiving updates and assistance.
The legal implications of this case are compounded by the cross-border nature of the incident and the involvement of religious practices that may not be familiar to U.S. legal standards.
Jackson is now pursuing legal avenues to ensure a thorough investigation into his mother’s death, including seeking an autopsy and addressing potential issues related to the transportation and handling of her remains.
Seeking Justice and Financial Support
To cover the costs associated with his mother’s funeral and the repatriation of her body, Jackson has initiated a GoFundMe campaign.
He is also advocating for greater transparency and accountability from both the Vodou group and relevant authorities.
“I need to understand what happened to my mother and ensure that justice is served,” Jackson stated.
The legal community and public await further developments in this case, which highlights the complexities of navigating legal procedures involving international and religious contexts.
