Tragic Incident in Belize: Three American Women Found Dead

News Summary

Belize is grieving the loss of three American women from Revere, Massachusetts, who were found dead from acute carbon monoxide poisoning in their hotel room on February 22, 2025. The investigation suggests a faulty water heater may have caused the deadly gas buildup, prompting scrutiny of the Royal Kahal Beach Resort. While toxicology tests revealed no illegal drugs, the community is left mourning these promising young lives. The search for answers continues as families seek closure and safety measures are called for in travel accommodations.

Tragic Incident in Belize: Three American Women Found Dead

Belize was shaken to its core when the news broke about the tragic deaths of three American women from Revere, Massachusetts, who were discovered lifeless in their hotel room at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort on February 22, 2025. The joyful vacation quickly turned into heartbreak as the cause of death was determined to be acute carbon monoxide poisoning.

A Startling Discovery

Twenty-three-year-old Kaoutar Naqqad, twenty-four-year-old Imane Mallah, and twenty-six-year-old Wafae El-Arar were reportedly found with alarmingly high levels of carboxyhemoglobin—greater than 60%! For those who aren’t familiar with the numbers, normal levels for nonsmokers hover between 0-2%, with smokers registering between 0-5%. This shocking revelation has left not just friends and family, but the entire community, in mourning.

The Investigation Unfolds

Belizean authorities are diving deep into the mystery of this horrific event. They suspect a faulty instant water heater in the women’s hotel room might be behind the tragic carbon monoxide buildup. Prior to the investigation’s conclusions, reports indicated that the victims exhibited a worrisome buildup of fluid in their lungs, indicating something was seriously amiss.

The Belize Police Commissioner confirmed that an initial carbon monoxide test on the hotel room showed no signs of danger. However, due to lingering concerns, a second test was performed. This caution underlines the necessity for safety, especially in hospitality settings. Although preliminary toxicology tests revealed no illicit drugs in the women’s systems, THC was found alongside alcohol in substances that were in the room—a detail that complicates the narrative.

Hotel Responds to Concerns

The Royal Kahal Beach Resort has been a focal point of scrutiny as it faced temporary closure to investigate the safety of its facilities. Guests have previously noted their fears about carbon monoxide levels during their stays—an issue that now demands immediate and serious attention. After rigorous inspections and the implementation of safety measures, the resort was allowed to reopen on March 19, 2025. However, lingering concerns about how transparent the resort is with its operational safety remain.

Community in Mourning

The families of the deceased women have not just been grieving; they have rallied to gather funds to cover funeral expenses, creating GoFundMe pages that have collected over $90,000. Residents of Revere are mourning the loss of these young women, regarded as bright, promising members of their community. The Mayor has emphasized the importance of transparency during this investigation, urging authorities to ensure nothing is overlooked.

What’s Next?

The Massachusetts Chief Medical Examiner’s Office is currently working on the final determinations regarding the cause and manner of death. While the investigation proceeds, families are left in anxious anticipation for answers and accountability. It appears that the journey to unveil the full truth will require patience, but it’s vital for closure to be reached for those left behind.

A Call for Safety

This heartbreaking incident emphasizes the critical importance of safety in travel accommodations. The potential danger posed by carbon monoxide poisoning shows how a carefree vacation can suddenly take a devastating turn. As investigators work diligently to piece together these tragic events, one can hope that lessons will be learned, ensuring that future guests can enjoy their getaways without fear.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• NBC News
• Wikipedia: Carbon monoxide poisoning
• USA Today
• Google Search: Belize hotel deaths carbon monoxide
• CBS News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Carbon monoxide
• WCVB
• Google News: Belize hotel deaths
• ABC7