EXCLUSIVEHorrifying case of three American women found dead in Belize takes a dramatic twist as new theory emerges
The deaths of three American women in a Belize hotel may have been caused by carbon monoxide poisoning and not a drug overdose as local police hastily suggested, a source has told DailyMail.com.
Kaoutar Naqqad, 23, Imane Mallah, 24, and Wafae El Arar, 26, were found dead in their room by staff at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro on February 22.
Authorities in Belize later determined the women had all died from ‘acute pulmonary edema’ - a buildup of fluid in the lungs - but have not yet announced a cause.
Belize Commissioner Chester Williams told local media that investigators found froth on the women’s mouths, indicating a possible drug overdose.
Within hours of the women being discovered, Williams also reported that alcohol and unspecified ‘gummies’ were found inside the room.
Friends and family of the deceased shared outrage over Williams’ remarks, expressing doubt that the women had consumed drugs and accused the chief of pointing a premature finger of blame towards their loved ones.
The three women’s remains have since been transported back to the US, where a second autopsy is currently being conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in their home state of Massachusetts.
While those examinations are not expected to be officially completed for at least a month, a source close to one of the girls’ families told DailyMail.com that a preliminary report indicated the fatal build-up of fluid in their lungs was caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.
The source further stated that investigators have discovered other non-fatal incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning at the Royal Kahal and have made contact with at least one other American victim.
Family of the three women shared a joint statement on Monday, calling their deaths 'suspicious' but declined to comment further
(Left to right) Kaoutar Naqqad, 23, Imane Mallah, 24, and Wafae El Arar, 26, were found dead in their room by staff at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro on February 22. A source close to one of their families says prelimary autopsy results show signs of carbon monoxide poisoning
The Royal Kahal Beach Resort is a luxury hotel on Ambergris Caye, located in San Pedro, Belize (file photo)
The Royal Kahal, Chief Williams, and Belize Fire Chief Colin Gillett have all been contacted for comment.
Gillett previously told Belizean media that carbon monoxide poisoning had been ruled out following an investigation.
A spokesperson representing the families of Naqqad, Mallah, and El Arar declined to comment, sharing only that the bereaved were eagerly awaiting the results of the state Medical Examiner’s autopsy.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Massachusetts confirmed they have custody of the women’s remains but declined to share further details, with a spokesperson saying only that the 'cause and manner of death for the descendents remains pending.’
On Monday, the families of the deceased shared their first public statements, along with family photos of each of the women, calling their deaths mysterious and 'suspicious.’
In their heartfelt remarks, the families addressed the status of the ongoing investigation and said they hoped their words and photos would ‘honor Kaoutar, Imane and Wafae by telling the world about the girls we knew and loved.’
‘It is with unimaginable pain and heartbreak that we share the devastating news of the passing of Kaoutar Naqqad, Imane Mallah, Wafae El Arar, each a beloved light in the world lost too soon,’ began the statement.
‘Our families and all who loved these women are shattered, struggling to comprehend this profound and sudden loss.’
Each of the women was individually memorialized.
Mallah was remembered as a ‘beacon of kindness’ who ‘embraced life wholeheartedly’; Naqqad was the light of her family’s life ‘whose kindness and warmth touched everyone she met’; and El Arar was ‘honest, kind, and deeply devoted to the people she loved’.
Their families added: ‘The circumstances surrounding this tragedy remain unclear and suspicious, and we are seeking answers to understand what happened in Belize.
‘We urge the authorities in Belize and in the United States to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation so that we may find the truth and justice for Kaoutar, Imane and Wafae.’
‘Our families are grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received during this heartbreaking time. We ask for continued prayers, patience, and privacy as we navigate this profound sorrow.
‘May their beautiful souls rest in eternal peace. We will forever love and miss you, Kaoutar, Imane, and Wafae.’
Naqqad (right) was remembered by their families kind, loving, and caring daughters
El Arar (above) was remembered as ‘honest, kind, and deeply devoted to the people she loved’
Naqqad is pictured with members of her family in a photo provided to DailyMail.com
More than 1000 people gathered in Revere, Massachusetts to mourn the deaths of El Arar, Mallah, and Naqqad last month
Naqqad, Mallah, and El Arar were found dead by hotel staff on Feb. 22.
They were last seen alive on surveillance footage returning to their rooms on the evening of the 20th.
Their families contacted the hotel and asked them to conduct a welfare check after repeated attempts to reach them by phone on Feb. 21 were unsuccessful.
‘The bodies exhibited no signs of injuries,' said Belize Police Commissioner Chester Williams.
‘Police also saw inside the room what appeared to be [vomit] beside each female.’
Additional tests were being conducted to test for traces of illicit substances in the room, Williams added.
The results of those tests have not yet been publicly shared.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Ira Novoselsky, a city councilor in the women’s hometown of Revere, accused Belizean authorities of ‘stonewalling’ US officials and the victims’ families.
'They’ve been taking their time and won’t give any answers. The only answers they’ve given us were negative ones, blaming the girls, saying they found gummies and vapes and whatever else,' he told DailyMail.com last month.
'We don’t know if they had drinks, or what happened before they returned to the hotel, so everything is up in the air. There are no answers.'
Novoselsky speculated that Belize authorities were 'trying to protect their own' and 'make the city [of San Pedro] look good.'
'But Belize already had a bad light, their history shows they’ve had trouble down there. And this is one of the worst. It upsets me a lot,' he added.
Revere Mayor Patrick M. Keefe echoed a similar sentiment in his public statement on the women's deaths, cautioning against a rush to judgment.
'The information we have received thus far from the Belizean authorities leaves our grieving community with too many questions,' Keefe said.
'These are daughters, friends, and contributors to our City, and I have heard widespread concern from the families and community members about the lack of transparency in this investigation and the media narrative painted by Belizean authorities.'
Keefe added: ‘To jump to that conclusion is extremely disrespectful for the family. And I know it’s impacting them immensely, and I know it’s something they are upset about.’
Wafae El-Arar was the eldest of the three victims. She had just celebrated her 26th birthday
Naqqad, 23, (left) had aspitations to become a police officer. Imane Mallah, 24, (right) was remembered as her family's 'greatest love'
Community members are seen gathering for a vigil last month to honor the three women who died in Belize
A travel advisory has been issued for the tropical country of Belize following reports of violent crime (Pictured: File photo of Belize)
Human toxicology samples have been sent from Belize to the US, and the state Medical Examiner’s office has confirmed now they’re in possession of the women’s remains.
An official cause of death is expected to be returned within the next few weeks.
In their families’ joint statement on Monday, Naqqad was remembered as the youngest daughter of four siblings who held a special place in her family because of her ‘joy, laughter, and love.’
‘She was compassionate, caring, and deeply devoted to those she loved. Her heart was full of generosity, always putting others before herself and offering a listening ear, a comforting word, and unwavering support,’ her family said.
Naqqad was a college student who worked as part of the residential support staff at a group home for troubled youth. She had aspirations to become a police officer.
Similarly, Mallah was remembered as a ‘radiant spirit’ and a ‘beacon of kindness’ who embraced life and cherished ‘every soul that shared the journey with her.’
‘With her infectious smile, sparkling wit, and an unwaveringly optimistic heart, Imane illuminated every space she graced,’ her family wrote.
‘Her friends often remarked that her presence was like a warm, comforting light, guiding them through even the darkest of times.’
El-Arar, who had just turned 26, was memorialized as being ‘full of life, dreams and unwavering faith.’
A research assistant at Massachusetts General Hospital, her family said she ‘dedicated herself to reproductive rights and was committed to making a difference in an area often overlooked in healthcare.
Before her death, she had co-authored a journal article she had been working on for months, ‘hoping that her contributions would help women around the world,’ the statement adds.
‘To all who knew her, she was caring, funny, humble, and incredibly giving. She was a light in our lives, taken too soon. She will be deeply missed.'
