Belizean authorities confirmed on Wednesday that the three American women found dead last month at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning.
The victims, Kaoutar Naqqad, 23, Imane Mallah, 24, and Wafae El-Arar, 26, all from Revere, Massachusetts, were discovered unconscious in their hotel room in February. An initial investigation revealed that the women had fluid build-up in their lungs, but the final test results now point conclusively to carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause of death.
Gian Cho, executive director of Belize’s National Forensics Science Service, explained that all three women had carboxyhemoglobin levels exceeding 60%. For comparison, nonsmokers typically have levels lower than 2%, and smokers usually measure below 5%.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced when fossil fuels are burned. Exposure to this toxic gas can cause accidental poisoning, particularly when faulty appliances such as furnaces, stoves, or generators release dangerous fumes in enclosed spaces.
Following the toxicology results, Belize’s Police Commissioner Chester Williams announced that authorities conducted a second round of testing in the hotel room to detect potential carbon monoxide sources. The initial test had not identified any issues, and investigators are now awaiting results from this second assessment.
In addition to examining the room for toxins, investigators tested alcohol and edible gummies found inside. THC, the psychoactive component in marijuana, was detected in one item, but no illicit drugs were found in the victims’ bodies.
The grieving families of Naqqad, Mallah, and El-Arar issued a joint statement expressing gratitude for the thorough investigation and the eventual clarity on what led to the tragic deaths.
“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 wrote.
They criticized early media reports suggesting other causes and stressed the importance of measured and transparent communication from law enforcement. “We have said since the beginning of this investigation that their deaths were suspicious and raised concerns about initial reports in the news media. While today’s official finding puts to rest those initial reports, we hope this will give authorities in law enforcement pause before they make similar suggestions during future investigations,” the families said.
An independent review of the incident is still ongoing in Massachusetts, but the families remain focused on honoring the women’s memory.
“We will forever love and miss you, Kaoutar, Imane, and Wafae. May their beautiful souls rest in eternal peace,” the statement concluded.
The families also expressed deep appreciation for the outpouring of support they have received and asked for continued prayers, patience, and privacy as they navigate their grief.
Authorities in Belize are continuing their efforts to determine how the carbon monoxide leak occurred and whether lapses in hotel safety protocols played a role. Hotel guests are advised to be vigilant and ensure that accommodations are equipped with functional carbon monoxide detectors, especially in regions where fossil fuel-powered appliances are in use.
