(DailyChive.com) – Three American women were found dead at a Belize resort, with carbon monoxide poisoning emerging as the leading suspect in what authorities initially mischaracterized as possible drug overdoses.
At a Glance
- Wafae El-Arar, Imane Mallah, and Kaoutar Naqqad from Massachusetts were found deceased in their room at Royal Kahal Beach Resort on February 22
- Preliminary findings indicate pulmonary edema consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning after being dead for approximately 20 hours
- Belizean authorities initially suggested drug involvement due to froth around victims’ mouths and presence of alcohol and gummies
- Families have called the circumstances “unclear and suspicious” and demanded a thorough investigation
- Bodies have been returned to the US for second autopsy by Massachusetts Chief Medical Examiner
Mysterious Deaths at Tropical Resort
The deaths of three American women at a Belize resort have sparked serious concerns about guest safety and raised questions about the thoroughness of the initial investigation. Wafae El-Arar, Imane Mallah, and Kaoutar Naqqad from Revere, Massachusetts were discovered unresponsive in their room at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro on February 22. Security camera footage showed the women entering their room a day before their bodies were found, with pathology findings suggesting they had been deceased for approximately 20 hours.
First responders noted froth around the women’s mouths, which led to hasty assumptions by local authorities. Alcohol and gummies were found in the room, prompting initial speculation about a possible drug overdose. This premature conclusion outraged the families, who have consistently maintained that there were suspicious circumstances surrounding the deaths of their loved ones.
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 Points to Carbon Monoxide
Despite early statements from Belize Fire Chief Colin Gillett ruling out carbon monoxide poisoning, newer evidence suggests that this invisible, odorless gas may indeed be the culprit. Preliminary investigations indicate the three women suffered fatal fluid buildup in their lungs, a condition known as acute pulmonary edema, which is consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning. Adding credibility to this theory, reports have emerged of other non-fatal carbon monoxide incidents at the same resort.
“We’re not saying at this time that the gummies caused death, but we’re looking at every possibility,” said Local Police Commissioner Chester Williams.
The official cause of death remains pending as human toxicology samples have been sent to laboratories in the United States for further analysis. The women’s bodies have also been returned to the US for a second, more thorough autopsy to be conducted by the Massachusetts Chief Medical Examiner. This additional examination may provide the definitive answers that have so far eluded investigators in Belize.
Families Demand Transparency
Family members and community representatives have expressed frustration with what they perceive as a lack of transparency from Belizean authorities. More than 1,000 people gathered in Revere, Massachusetts to mourn the three women, demonstrating the profound impact their deaths have had on their community. GoFundMe pages were established to assist with the costs of transporting the bodies home and covering funeral expenses.
“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,” said Ira Novoselsky.
The families have united in their call for a comprehensive investigation that examines all potential causes rather than jumping to conclusions. In a joint statement, they requested “continued prayers, patience, and privacy” as they navigate their profound loss. The case has highlighted potential safety concerns at international resorts and the challenges American families face when seeking justice for loved ones who die under questionable circumstances abroad.
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