Three young American women, who were found deceased at a Belize beach resort last month, succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning, as per a recent toxicology report. The victims, identified as Kaoutar Naqqad, 23, Imane Mallah, 24, and Wafae El-Arar, 26, all hailed from Revere, Massachusetts. They were discovered lifeless in their room at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro on February 22.
The toxicology report, issued by Belize’s National Forensic Service, revealed that the women had an accumulation of fluid in their lungs, a condition known as acute pulmonary edema. This condition was triggered by exposure to carbon monoxide, a deadly gas.
The American tourists had all been exposed to carbon monoxide prior to their deaths, with each recording carbon monoxide saturation levels of approximately 60%. The report noted that a level of 40% is considered fatal. Authorities suspect that a malfunctioning water heater in their hotel room may have been the source of the carbon monoxide.
Belize Police Commissioner Chester Williams stated that there were no visible injuries on the bodies, but vomit was found near each of them. Despite the discovery of alcohol and gummies in their room, toxicology tests showed no presence of drugs in their systems.
The families of the deceased women expressed gratitude to the authorities for revisiting the case and dismissing initial allegations that drugs were the cause of death. They released a statement on Wednesday, expressing their relief at the findings of the investigation.
The statement read, “While we remain shattered by the loss of these three bright lights in our world, we are incredibly heartened by the results of this investigation and grateful to those who completed it in a thorough and independent manner.” The families also called for a full accounting of the incident, questioning how the investigation was handled by officials and hotel management.
The families also thanked friends, family, leaders in Massachusetts, the United States, and Belize, as well as local and international media, for their continued pressure on Belizean authorities to complete the investigation in a timely and honest manner. They requested continued prayers, patience, and privacy as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
Authorities in Massachusetts are set to conduct a separate review of the cause of death of the three women.