Three women from Revere, Massachusetts—Kaoutar Naqqad, 23; Imane Mallah, 24; and Wafae El-Arar, 26—died from carbon monoxide poisoning while at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro, Belize, as indicated by an updated toxicology report from Belizean authorities.
The women were discovered unresponsive in their hotel room on the morning of February 22, after several unsuccessful attempts by resort staff to contact them. Staff accessed the room using a master key when the guests failed to attend scheduled activities and did not answer calls. The police report noted no signs of forced entry or physical trauma.
Initial reports from Belize’s National Forensic Science Service indicated acute pulmonary edema, which involves fluid accumulation in the lungs, as the immediate cause of death. This condition was later found to be caused by exposure to carbon monoxide. The women’s carboxyhemoglobin levels, indicating carbon monoxide in the blood, exceeded 60%, a fatal level.
Investigators have identified a gas-powered water heater in the room as a probable source of the carbon monoxide. The Belize Police Department continues to investigate how the gas entered the room and whether safety systems were operational. Police Commissioner Chester Williams described the malfunctioning appliance as a “serious concern.”
Following the discovery of the bodies, the Royal Kahal was temporarily closed by resort management, and local authorities inspected the property for other potential hazards. The hotel has since reopened after undergoing safety checks and assessments. Officials confirmed that no additional risks to guests were identified, and corrective measures were implemented.
Initially, there was speculation about the presence of alcohol and edibles in the room, as police noted the presence of snacks, liquids, gummies, vapes, and electronic devices. However, friends and relatives dismissed early theories of a drug overdose, asserting that the victims were responsible and not known to engage in risky behavior. First responders observed froth at the mouths of the deceased, consistent with both drug overdoses and severe pulmonary complications, complicating initial assessments.
With the confirmation of carbon monoxide poisoning, the victims’ families are advocating for greater awareness of the dangers posed by undetected gas leaks in hotels. In a statement following the public release of the toxicology report, a family spokesperson said, “We are devastated by the loss of our daughters and grateful for the truth. This should never have happened.”
Revere Mayor Patrick Keefe has called for improved transparency and safety assurances for U.S. travelers abroad. He had previously expressed concern over the lack of clear and timely communication from Belizean authorities to the families and local officials.
The U.S. Department of State continues to monitor the case. Belize remains under a Level 2 travel advisory by the department, urging travelers to exercise increased caution due to crime. The advisory highlights that violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery are common, and local law enforcement often lacks resources to fully investigate major incidents.
The deaths have deeply affected the Revere community, where the women were known for their academic achievements and community involvement. All three were of Moroccan descent and maintained strong ties to local cultural groups. Vigils have been held in their memory, and local leaders have emphasized the necessity for thorough investigations and accountability.
Public health experts have noted that carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless gas, poses significant danger in enclosed spaces without proper ventilation or detection systems. Fatal exposure can occur within hours, with symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, and confusion—often leaving victims unconscious before recognizing the danger.
The incident in Belize has renewed calls for mandatory carbon monoxide detectors in hotels and vacation rentals, especially in regions where gas appliances are prevalent. Advocacy groups have highlighted that while many U.S. states require detectors in residential properties, international standards vary widely. As the families of Naqqad, Mallah, and El-Arar await final reports and consider possible legal actions, they continue to mourn a loss felt far beyond their Massachusetts community.
