Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Confirmed as Cause of Death for Three U.S. Tourists Found at Belize Resort

Authorities in Belize have confirmed that carbon monoxide poisoning was the cause of death for three Massachusetts women found unresponsive at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort last month. The update comes after weeks of growing questions from the victims’ families and public calls for transparency.

Kaoutar Naqqad, 23; Imane Mallah, 24; and Wafae El-Arar, 26 — all from Revere, Massachusetts — were discovered inside their hotel room on February 22. According to a newly released toxicology report, the women died of acute pulmonary edema triggered by excessive exposure to carbon monoxide. Each woman had carbon monoxide saturation levels near 60%, far above the fatal threshold of 40%.

Police initially said alcohol and gummies were found in the room, but the final toxicology results did not detect any drugs. Authorities now believe a faulty water heater may have been the source of the gas leak. The resort was temporarily closed following the incident, though no official explanation has been provided for the shutdown.

The Royal Kahal Beach Resort, located in San Pedro on the island of Ambergris Caye, has not publicly commented on the latest findings.

The families of the victims say they remain frustrated by what they call a lack of transparency in the investigation. In a joint statement released earlier this week, they said: “Our loved ones deserve transparency, and all who visit Belize — especially the resort — deserve to know they are safe.”

A second round of testing was ordered after guests who stayed at the resort previously reported detecting carbon monoxide using personal devices. Belizean police confirmed that the follow-up tests are still pending final results.

Revere Mayor Patrick Keefe Jr. also weighed in, expressing condolences and pushing for answers. “The information we have received thus far from the Belizean authorities leaves our grieving community with too many questions,” he said.

Security footage showed the women entering their hotel room the evening of Feb. 22. Police said no one else entered before staff discovered them two days later. Vomit was found beside each woman, and they showed no signs of external trauma.

The U.S. State Department has maintained a Level 2 travel advisory for Belize due to safety concerns. Meanwhile, more than $90,000 has been raised across multiple GoFundMe pages to support the victims’ families with funeral costs and legal fees.