By [mc]
The families of three Massachusetts women who were found dead in a Belize hotel room last month are speaking out following the confirmation that carbon monoxide poisoning was the cause of their tragic deaths. Officials with Belize’s National Forensic Science Service confirmed this week that Kaoutar Naqqad, 23, Imane Mallah, 24, and Wafae El-Arar, 26, died as a result of fatal carbon monoxide exposure while vacationing in the Central American country.
The three young women, all from Revere, Massachusetts, had traveled to Belize in February and were staying at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort when they were discovered unresponsive in their hotel room. The sudden and mysterious deaths prompted an immediate investigation that has now culminated in toxicology findings.
Initial autopsy reports cited pulmonary edema—fluid in the lungs—as a potential indicator, but forensic officials held off on declaring a cause of death until full toxicology analyses were completed.
According to a report by CBS News, toxicology results showed all three women had carboxyhemoglobin levels exceeding 60%—a clear indicator of fatal carbon monoxide poisoning. By comparison, healthy levels of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood are typically under 2% for non-smokers and below 5% for smokers. The dangerously elevated levels confirmed suspicions that carbon monoxide, often called a “silent killer,” was involved.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas produced by the incomplete burning of fossil fuels. It is commonly emitted from appliances like gas stoves, generators, and faulty heating systems. In enclosed spaces like hotel rooms with inadequate ventilation, the gas can quickly accumulate and become deadly.
The confirmation of carbon monoxide poisoning has since prompted Belizean authorities to conduct a secondary round of environmental testing at the resort.
While early tests at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort did not detect residual carbon monoxide, authorities have now launched a follow-up evaluation to assess any lingering hazards or mechanical malfunctions that could have contributed to the tragedy. Results from the latest round of environmental assessments have not yet been released.
In addition to toxicology tests, investigators examined food and drink found at the scene, including alcohol and edibles. Gian Cho, executive director of Belize’s forensic service, confirmed that THC—the psychoactive compound in cannabis—was detected in one item, but no illegal drugs were found in the women’s systems. Authorities have emphasized that the carbon monoxide exposure was the sole cause of death.
The incident has raised concerns about carbon monoxide safety measures in hotels and resorts abroad. While many countries—including the United States—require carbon monoxide detectors in accommodations, such regulations are often inconsistently enforced or entirely absent in certain regions. Travel safety experts have urged tourists to consider carrying portable CO detectors when traveling internationally.
As the investigation continues and final environmental test results are awaited, authorities and the victims’ families hope the tragedy serves as a wake-up call for stricter hotel safety standards and more vigilant preventative measures.
In a deeply emotional joint statement, the families of the victims expressed both heartbreak and gratitude. “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 said.
They also took issue with early speculation in the media and online, describing it as premature and harmful. “Survivors such as our families deserve their best, honest work. We received it today, but needed it throughout this investigative process,” the statement read. The families emphasized the importance of accurate and compassionate reporting in the face of personal tragedy.
The families extended heartfelt thanks to members of the public and journalists who treated the situation with dignity and sensitivity. “We appreciate the privacy that has been extended to our families as we grieve and are also grateful to the media who have helped ensure that Wafae, Imane, Kaoutar, and the impact of their loss are a central part of your news coverage,” they said.
Their message concluded with a poignant appeal for continued prayers and privacy. “Our families ask for continued prayers, patience, and privacy as we navigate this unimaginable loss. May their beautiful souls rest in eternal peace. We will forever love and miss you, Kaoutar, Imane, and Wafae.”
For now, the memory of three promising young women lost too soon has become a rallying point for awareness, safety, and accountability across borders.
