Three young women from Revere, Massachusetts, tragically lost their lives last month while vacationing in Belize. The victims, Kaoutar Naqqad, 23, Imane Mallah, 24, and Wafae El-Arar, 26, were found lifeless in their room at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro on February 22. A recent toxicology report has revealed that the cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning.
The toxicology report, prepared by Belize’s National Forensic Service, indicated that the women had acute pulmonary edema, a condition characterized by fluid accumulation in the lungs. This condition was triggered by exposure to carbon monoxide, a lethal gas. The report showed that each of the women had carbon monoxide saturation levels of around 60%, significantly higher than the 40% level considered fatal.
Authorities are investigating a malfunctioning water heater in the hotel room as the potential source of the deadly gas. Belize Police Commissioner Chester Williams confirmed that there were no visible injuries on the bodies, but vomit was found near each of them. Despite finding alcohol and gummies in their room, toxicology tests showed no presence of drugs in their systems.
The families of the deceased women expressed their gratitude to the authorities for their thorough investigation and for dismissing initial allegations that drugs were the cause of death. In a statement released on Wednesday, they expressed 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.