Three American women were found mysteriously dead in their Belize resort room with froth around their mouths, sparking an investigation into carbon monoxide poisoning despite initial speculation about drug involvement.
Quick Takes
- Wafae El-Arar, Imane Mallah, and Kaoutar Naqqad from Massachusetts were found dead at Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro, Belize on February 22
- Carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading theory after authorities found evidence of fatal fluid buildup in victims’ lungs
- CCTV shows the women entering their room 20 hours before their bodies were discovered
- Initial speculation about drug involvement due to alcohol and gummies found in the room has angered families who describe the deaths as “suspicious”
- Bodies have been returned to the US for a second autopsy while multiple previous carbon monoxide incidents at the same resort have been reported
Tragic Vacation Turns Fatal
What began as a vacation to the tropical paradise of Belize ended in tragedy when three American women from Revere, Massachusetts were discovered dead in their hotel room. Wafae El-Arar, Imane Mallah, and Kaoutar Naqqad were staying at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro when staff found them deceased on February 22. Security footage revealed the women had entered their room approximately 20 hours before their bodies were discovered, suggesting they died shortly after returning to their accommodations. Early pathology findings indicate the women may have suffered from acute pulmonary edema, a condition consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning that causes fatal fluid accumulation in the lungs.
Investigation Shifts Focus
When first responders arrived at the scene, they noted froth around the women’s mouths and the presence of alcohol and gummies in the room. This led to initial speculation about a possible drug overdose, which Belizean authorities appeared to favor as an explanation. However, the investigation has since shifted toward carbon monoxide poisoning as the likely cause of death. Reports have emerged of other non-fatal carbon monoxide incidents at the same resort, strengthening this theory. Human toxicology samples have been sent to the United States for analysis, and the Massachusetts Chief Medical Examiner is conducting a second autopsy as authorities work to determine the exact cause.
“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.
The families of the deceased have expressed frustration with Belizean authorities, accusing them of prematurely suggesting drug involvement and lacking transparency in the investigation. Local officials have acknowledged finding what appeared to be vomit beside each woman, but emphasized that the bodies showed no signs of injuries, consistent with poisoning rather than violence. Belize Fire Chief Colin Gillett initially ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning, creating confusion about the direction of the investigation that has angered grieving family members.
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
Community Response and Family Grief
Over 1,000 people gathered in Revere, Massachusetts to mourn the three women, highlighting the deep impact their deaths have had on their community. Friends and family have established multiple GoFundMe pages to assist with the costs of transporting the bodies back to the United States and covering funeral expenses. Local official Ira Novoselsky voiced the community’s frustration with the investigation, accusing Belizean authorities of “taking their time” and providing only “negative” answers that appeared to blame the victims rather than identify the true cause of their deaths.
“We ask for continued prayers, patience, and privacy as we navigate this profound sorrow,” the families of Naqqad, Mallah, and El-Arar said.
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can exist even at luxurious vacation destinations. Safety advocates have pointed to this incident as highlighting the importance of carbon monoxide detectors in hotel rooms worldwide, a safety feature that often varies by country and isn’t universally required. As the investigation continues, many Americans are watching closely, concerned about travel safety and awaiting answers that might prevent similar tragedies in the future. President Trump’s administration has not yet commented on whether any changes to travel advisories for Belize might be forthcoming as a result of this incident.
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’
