Belize officials confirm cause of death for three American tourists at resort​on March 27, 2025 at 4:57 pm

The cause of death for three young Massachusetts women who died at a Belize resort last month has been confirmed.

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According to a new toxicology report, the friends died from “fatal exposure to carbon monoxide poisoning,” WCVB reported.

Kaoutar Naqqad, 23, Imane Mallah, 24, and 26-year-old Wafae El-arar were vacationing at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro when they were found dead in their room on Feb. 22.

The report from Belize’s National Forensic Service shows that the trio had a build up of fluid in the lungs known as acute pulmonary edema, which was triggered by the carbon monoxide exposure, according to the outlet.

All three were exposed to carbon monoxide before their deaths, and each registered carbon monoxide saturation levels of around 60%.

The fatal level is 40%, the report detailed.

Police in Belize believe the women may have been exposed to carbon monoxide from a faulty water heater in their hotel room.

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“Their bodies exhibited no signs of injuries,” Belize Police Commissioner Chester Williams said, adding that what appeared to be vomit was next to each victim.

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While authorities found alcohol and gummies in their hotel room, toxicology tests determined that no drugs were in their bodies.

The grieving women’s families thanked authorities for reexamining the case after initial reports claimed the drugs were to blame.

“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,” they said in a statement on Wednesday.

“While today’s official finding puts to rest those initial (drug) reports, we hope this will give authorities in law enforcement pause before they make similar suggestions during future investigations.”

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They continued: “Survivors such as our families deserve their best, honest work. We received it today but needed it throughout this investigative process. Our families and others who may have been harmed at this hotel deserve a full accounting of what happened, how this investigation was handled by officials and hotel management.”

A separate review of the cause of death is set to be done by authorities in the women’s home state.

“We are grateful to all of the friends, family, leaders here in Massachusetts, in the United States and in Belize along with the local and international media, who continued to put pressure on Belizean authorities to complete this investigation in a timely and honest manner,” the families added.

“Our families ask for continued prayers, patience, and privacy as we navigate this unimaginable loss,” the statement concluded.

“May their beautiful souls rest in eternal peace. We will forever love and miss you, Kaoutar, Imane and Wafae.”

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