Authorities Investigate Belize Resort Deaths Of Three Americans

Three American women were found dead at a Belize resort, with carbon monoxide poisoning emerging as the likely cause despite earlier speculation about drug involvement.

Key Insights

Wafae El-Arar, Imane Mallah, and Kaoutar Naqqad from Massachusetts were found deceased at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro, Belize on February 22.
Preliminary findings suggest carbon monoxide poisoning caused fatal fluid buildup in the victims’ lungs, though Belizean authorities initially suggested a possible drug overdose.
The women’s bodies have been returned to the US for a second autopsy as families demand transparency in what they call “unclear and suspicious” circumstances.
Previous non-fatal carbon monoxide incidents have reportedly occurred at the same resort.

Tragic Discovery at Belizean Resort

Authorities in Belize are investigating the deaths of three American women found dead in their room at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro on February 22. The victims, identified as Wafae El-Arar, Imane Mallah, and Kaoutar Naqqad from Revere, Massachusetts, were last seen on surveillance footage entering their hotel room approximately 20 hours before their bodies were discovered. Early pathology findings indicate the women suffered acute pulmonary edema, a condition where fluid builds up in the lungs, strongly suggesting carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause.

First responders noted froth around the women’s mouths upon discovery. The presence of alcohol and gummies in the room initially led local authorities to speculate about possible drug involvement. Human toxicology samples have been sent to the United States for further analysis as investigators work to determine the exact cause of death. Notably, reports indicate there have been other non-fatal carbon monoxide incidents at the same resort, raising serious safety concerns about the facility.

BELIZE

Breaking – Three American tourists found dead in Belize hotel room

Feb 26, 2025

Three American women were found dead in a hotel room at a beach resort in Belize, police said Monday, adding that officials were investigating the deaths as possible drug overdoses.#Belize… pic.twitter.com/awpucSupxm

— Abhay (@AstuteGaba) February 27, 2025

Investigation Faces Scrutiny

The investigation has faced criticism from the families of the deceased women, who have expressed frustration with Belizean authorities for what they describe as a lack of transparency and premature conclusions. Initially, local officials suggested a possible drug overdose, pointing to froth found on the victims’ mouths and the presence of recreational items in the room. However, as evidence of possible carbon monoxide poisoning emerged, the focus of the investigation shifted.

“We’re not saying at this time that the gummies caused death, but we’re looking at every possibility,” stated Local Police Commissioner Chester Williams.

Concerns about the investigation intensified when Ira Novoselsky, a representative for the families, accused Belizean authorities of stonewalling. “They’ve been taking their time and won’t give any answers. The only answers they’ve given us were negative ones, blaming the girls, saying they found gummies and vapes and whatever else,” he stated. Adding to the confusion, Belize Fire Chief Colin Gillett had previously ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning before evidence suggested otherwise.

Families Seek Answers and Support

The bodies of the three women have been returned to the United States for additional investigation by the Massachusetts Chief Medical Examiner. This second autopsy is expected to provide more definitive answers about the cause of death. The tragic incident prompted over 1,000 people to gather in Revere, Massachusetts, to mourn the women, reflecting the deep impact their loss has had on their community.

“We ask for continued prayers, patience, and privacy as we navigate this profound sorrow,” the families of Naqqad, Mallah and El-Arar said in a joint statement.

GoFundMe pages were established to assist with the costs of transporting the bodies back to the United States and covering funeral expenses. The families continue to call for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding their loved ones’ deaths, which they describe as “unclear and suspicious.” The outcome of the additional autopsy and toxicology reports will be crucial in providing closure to the families and potentially identifying safety issues that could prevent similar tragedies in the future.