Kaoutar Naqqad, 23, Imane Mallah, 24, and Wafae El Arar, 26, were found dead in their hotel room at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro, Belize, on February 22
Three young American women who were found dead in their hotel room in Belize may have died from carbon monoxide poisoning, it has been claimed.
Kaoutar Naqqad, 23, Imane Mallah, 24, and Wafae El Arar, 26, were staying at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro while visiting the Central American country. The tourists were discovered dead in their room by hotel staff on February 22, with authorities saying they had died from “acute pulmonary edema”, a build-up of fluid in the lungs.
Belize Commissioner Chester Williams told local media that investigators found froth on the women’s mouth, which could suggest a possible drug overdose. It was also claimed that alcohol and “gummies” were found in their room.
But friends and families of the three women expressed outrage at the theory outlined by police, saying they doubted Kaoutar, Imane and Wafae had consumed drugs. The women’s remains have since been transported back to the US, where a second autopsy is being carried out in their state of Massachusetts.
Examinations are expected to take around one month to be completed, but a source close to the families of the three tourists claimed that a preliminary report showed that the build-up in the women’s lungs was caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. Talking to the Daily Mail, the source claimed that there were other non-fatal incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning at the beach resort, including the case of another American woman.
Previously, Belize Fire Chief Colin Gillett told local media that carbon monoxide poisoning had been ruled out following an investigation. The women’s families released their first public statements on Monday, as well as their photos, saying the hoped to honour “Kaoutar, Imane and Wafae by telling the world about the girls we knew and loved.”
The families said: “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.”
The Mirror has contacted Royal Kahal Beach Resort, Belize Police Department and Belize Fire Chief Colin Gillett for comment.
