Three American women found dead in their Belize resort room may have been victims of carbon monoxide poisoning, contradicting initial drug overdose claims that outraged grieving families.
Key Takeaways
- Three Massachusetts women—Wafae El-Arar, Imane Mallah, and Kaoutar Naqqad—were found dead at Royal Kahal Beach Resort in Belize on February 22, 2025.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading theory of death after initial autopsy showed acute pulmonary edema, despite Belizean authorities initially suggesting drug overdose.
- CCTV footage shows the women entering their room 20 hours before their bodies were discovered, with reports of froth around their mouths.
- Families have called the investigation “stonewalling” and demanded transparency while describing the deaths as “unclear and suspicious.”
- Second autopsies are being conducted in Massachusetts, and human toxicology samples have been sent to the US for further analysis.
Mysterious Deaths at Tropical Resort
What began as a vacation to paradise ended as a devastating tragedy when three American women were found dead at a Belize resort. Wafae El-Arar, Imane Mallah, and Kaoutar Naqqad of Revere, Massachusetts, were discovered in their shared room at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro on February 22. CCTV footage from the resort shows the women entering their room approximately 20 hours before the grim discovery of their bodies, raising serious questions about resort safety and the initial handling of the investigation by local authorities.
Preliminary findings indicate the women died from acute pulmonary edema – fluid buildup in the lungs – consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning. This revelation comes after Belizean authorities initially pointed to a potential drug overdose, citing froth found around the women’s mouths and the presence of alcohol and gummies in the room. The hasty drug overdose theory, without toxicology results, exemplifies how foreign authorities are quick to blame victims rather than examine potential resort negligence.
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
Families Demand Answers Amid Investigation Confusion
The families of the deceased American women have expressed outrage at what they perceive as premature conclusions and lack of transparency from Belizean officials. Over 1,000 people gathered in Revere, Massachusetts to mourn the women as their communities grapple with the sudden loss. Local representative Ira Novoselsky voiced frustration with Belizean authorities, highlighting the dismissive treatment the families have received during an already traumatic time.
“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,” Ira Novoselsky said.
In a particularly telling contradiction, Belize Fire Chief Colin Gillett initially ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning, only for that to emerge as the leading theory days later. This flip-flopping raises serious questions about the competence of the investigation and whether proper protocols were followed. Meanwhile, the bodies have been returned to the United States, where the Massachusetts Chief Medical Examiner is conducting second autopsies that should provide more definitive answers than those provided abroad.
Resort Safety Concerns Emerge
Particularly alarming is the revelation that there have been other non-fatal carbon monoxide incidents at the same resort. This pattern suggests serious safety deficiencies that should have been addressed long before these tragic deaths occurred. President Trump’s administration has expressed concern about the safety of Americans traveling abroad, particularly in countries where building codes and safety regulations may not meet US standards. These deaths highlight the importance of Americans researching safety records of foreign accommodations.
“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.
While Commissioner Williams has publicly stated that all possibilities are being investigated, the initial focus on recreational substances found in the room appeared to be an attempt to shift blame to the victims. Human toxicology samples have been sent to the US, and official causes of death are pending. GoFundMe pages established to assist with transportation of the bodies and funeral expenses reflect the heartbreaking financial burden that accompanies such international tragedies, another aspect rarely discussed when Americans face emergencies abroad.
Sources:
- Three American women found dead at Belize resort ‘may have died from carbon monoxide poisoning’
- Horrifying case of three American women found dead in Belize takes a dramatic twist as new theory emerges
- Three American women found dead at Belize resort ‘may have died from carbon monoxide poisoning’
