Three American Women Found Deceased At Belize Resort

Covered bodies on metal tables in a morgue.

Three American women vacationing in Belize were found dead in their resort room, with carbon monoxide poisoning now emerging as the likely cause despite initial speculation about drugs or alcohol.

Key Takeaways

  • Wafae El-Arar, Imane Mallah, and Kaoutar Naqqad from Massachusetts were found deceased at Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro, Belize, on February 22.
  • Preliminary investigations point to carbon monoxide poisoning causing fatal fluid buildup in the lungs, though initial reports from Belizean authorities suggested a drug overdose.
  • The women were last seen on CCTV entering their room approximately 20 hours before their bodies were discovered.
  • Previous non-fatal carbon monoxide incidents have been reported at the same resort, raising questions about safety measures.
  • The bodies have been returned to the United States for a second autopsy by the Massachusetts Chief Medical Examiner.

Tragic Discovery at Belize Resort

Three American women were discovered dead in their hotel room at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro, Belize, on February 22. Wafae El-Arar, Imane Mallah, and Kaoutar Naqqad, all from Revere, Massachusetts, had been on vacation when tragedy struck. Security footage shows the women entering their room approximately 20 hours before their bodies were found, according to early pathology findings. First responders noted froth around the mouths of the deceased, while alcohol and edible gummies were found in the room, leading to initial speculation about the cause of death.

The incident has captured national attention as authorities from both Belize and the United States work to determine exactly what happened to the three women. Local Police Commissioner Chester Williams initially indicated that all possibilities were being investigated, including whether the gummies may have played a role. However, as the investigation has progressed, carbon monoxide poisoning has emerged as the primary theory, with preliminary findings suggesting acute pulmonary edema – a fatal fluid build-up in the lungs – as the immediate cause of death.

Investigation Points to Carbon Monoxide

Despite initial speculation about drug use, the focus of the investigation has shifted dramatically. Reports indicate there have been other non-fatal carbon monoxide incidents at the same resort, raising serious questions about safety protocols and accountability. The families of the women have expressed frustration with Belizean authorities, who they claim were quick to suggest drug use before completing a thorough investigation. Human toxicology samples have been sent to the United States, and an official cause of death is still pending as investigators await results.

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

The bodies of the three women have been returned to the United States for a second autopsy to be conducted by the Massachusetts Chief Medical Examiner. This development comes after families expressed concern about the handling of the investigation in Belize. Compounding the controversy, Belize Fire Chief Colin Gillett had previously ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning, only for investigators to later focus on this as the likely cause of death. This inconsistency has heightened the families’ suspicions about the thoroughness of the initial investigation.

Community Mourns as Families Seek Answers

The tight-knit community of Revere, Massachusetts, has rallied around the families of the deceased women. Over 1,000 people gathered for a memorial service to honor the lives of Wafae El-Arar, Imane Mallah, and Kaoutar Naqqad. GoFundMe pages were established to assist with the costs of transporting the bodies back to the United States and to help cover funeral expenses. The outpouring of support demonstrates the impact these women had on their community, even as their families continue to seek clarity about the circumstances of their deaths.

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

Frustration with the investigation has been voiced publicly by community representatives. Ira Novoselsky, who has been assisting the families, accused Belizean authorities of “stonewalling” and failing to provide timely and transparent information. The families have consistently described the circumstances surrounding the deaths as “unclear and suspicious,” calling for a comprehensive investigation that examines all possible factors. As the investigation continues under President Trump’s administration, many are hoping for diplomatic pressure to ensure a thorough and transparent process.

Sources:

  1. Three American women found dead at Belize resort ‘may have died from carbon monoxide poisoning’
  2. Horrifying case of three American women found dead in Belize takes a dramatic twist as new theory emerges
  3. Three American women found dead at Belize resort ‘may have died from carbon monoxide poisoning’

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