Three young women from Revere, Massachusetts—Kaoutar Naqqad, 23; Imane Mallah, 24; and Wafae El-Arar, 26—died from carbon monoxide poisoning while staying at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro, Belize, according to an updated toxicology report from Belizean authorities.
The women were found unresponsive in their hotel room on the morning of February 22, following multiple unsuccessful attempts by resort staff to reach them. Staff used a master key to access the room after the guests missed scheduled activities and failed to respond to calls. There were no signs of forced entry or physical trauma, according to the police report.
Initial findings from Belize’s National Forensic Science Service identified acute pulmonary edema—a condition characterized by fluid accumulation in the lungs—as the immediate cause of death. The condition, however, was later determined to have been triggered by exposure to carbon monoxide. The women’s carboxyhemoglobin levels, which measure carbon monoxide in the blood, were reported to exceed 60%, a level considered fatal.
Investigators have pointed to a gas-powered water heater in the unit as a likely source of the carbon monoxide. The Belize Police Department continues to investigate how the gas entered the room and whether safety systems were in place or functioning properly at the time. Police Commissioner Chester Williams told reporters that the malfunctioning appliance was a “serious concern.”
Resort management temporarily closed the Royal Kahal following the discovery of the bodies, and local authorities inspected the property for other potential hazards. The hotel has since reopened after a series of assessments and safety checks. Officials stated that no additional risks to guests were found, and corrective measures were implemented.
Originally, speculation surrounded the presence of alcohol and edibles in the room, and police noted the presence of snacks, liquids, gummies, vapes, and electronic devices. Friends and relatives, however, dismissed early theories of a drug overdose, stating the victims were responsible individuals and not known to engage in risky behavior. First responders also observed froth at the mouths of the deceased, a symptom consistent with both drug overdose and severe pulmonary complications, further complicating initial assessments.
Now, with confirmation of carbon monoxide poisoning, the families of the victims are calling for increased awareness of the dangers associated with undetected gas leaks in hotels. In a statement released after the toxicology report was made public, 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 publicly urged for improved transparency and safety assurances for U.S. travelers abroad. He previously voiced concern over the lack of clear and timely communication from Belizean authorities to the families and local officials.
The U.S. Department of State is continuing to monitor the case. Belize is currently classified under a Level 2 travel advisory by the department, which urges travelers to exercise increased caution due to crime. The advisory notes that violent crimes, including assault and armed robbery, are common, and that local law enforcement often lacks the resources to fully investigate major incidents.
The deaths have shaken the Revere community, where the three women were known for their academic achievements and community involvement. All three were of Moroccan descent and had strong ties to local cultural groups. Vigils have been held in their memory, and local leaders have emphasized the need for thorough investigations and accountability.
Public health experts have noted that carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless gas, is especially dangerous in enclosed spaces without proper ventilation or detection systems. Fatal exposure can occur within hours, and symptoms may include headache, dizziness, nausea, and confusion—though victims are often unconscious before realizing they are in danger.
The Belize incident has sparked renewed calls for mandatory carbon monoxide detectors in hotels and vacation rentals, particularly in regions where gas appliances are common. Advocacy groups have pointed out 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 steps, they continue to mourn a loss that has resonated far beyond their Massachusetts community.
