Kaoutar Naggad, Imane Mallah, and Wafae El-Arar: Tragic Deaths of Massachusetts Women at Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro Linked to Fatal Carbon Monoxide Exposure, Reveals Belize Officials

On Wednesday, officials in Belize revealed the cause of death for three Massachusetts women who were tragically found dead in their resort hotel room last month. The victims, Kaoutar Naggad, 23, Imane Mallah, 24, and Wafae El-Arar, 26, were discovered unresponsive on February 22, 2025, at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort, located on the scenic island of San Pedro, Belize. Authorities had previously confirmed their identities and launched an investigation into the mysterious deaths, leading to widespread speculation and concern over the safety of tourists in the area.

The Belizean authorities, led by Gian Cho, the executive director of the National Forensics and Science Services (NFSS), provided a detailed update on the investigation that brought an unfortunate but necessary answer to the mystery. Cho confirmed that the cause of death for the three young women was fatal exposure to carbon monoxide, a deadly gas that is both colorless and odorless, making it notoriously difficult to detect without proper equipment.

According to Cho, comprehensive toxicology screenings were conducted on blood and liver tissues taken from the victims to definitively confirm the cause of death. These tests provided crucial evidence that allowed the investigators to conclude that carbon monoxide poisoning was the underlying factor that led to the tragic deaths of Naggad, Mallah, and El-Arar. Cho emphasized the importance of the findings, stating that they offered closure to the families of the victims, as the results provided a conclusive answer to what contributed to the deaths of the three young women.

The investigation revealed that the exposure to carbon monoxide resulted in acute pulmonary edema, a condition where the lungs fill with fluid, leading to severe respiratory distress and, in this case, ultimately to death. This condition is known to occur in instances of significant poisoning by gases such as carbon monoxide, which interferes with the body’s ability to transport oxygen, leading to suffocation at the cellular level. The NFSS’s thorough investigation was critical in understanding the full scope of the situation and ensuring that the families of the victims would have clarity on the matter.

The case has left not only the families of the three victims devastated but also raised concerns among other travelers visiting Belize and the wider Central American region. With the resort being a popular destination for tourists, questions regarding the safety standards at such establishments have come to the forefront. Many people have raised concerns over how such a dangerous exposure to carbon monoxide could occur in a hotel room and whether the resort had taken adequate measures to ensure the safety of its guests.

The resort, located on the idyllic Ambergris Caye, has long been a favorite for tourists seeking a tropical getaway, known for its beautiful beaches and all-inclusive accommodations. While the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Naggad, Mallah, and El-Arar remain tragic, it has prompted a wider conversation about the importance of safety regulations for tourists and the potential dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning in various environments, including resort hotels.

Understanding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Its Dangers

Carbon monoxide, often referred to as the “silent killer,” is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. It can accumulate in closed or poorly ventilated spaces, and when inhaled, it displaces oxygen in the bloodstream, leading to severe health consequences. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include dizziness, headache, confusion, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, and loss of consciousness. In severe cases, such as in the deaths of the three women, prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to fatal outcomes, especially if immediate treatment is not administered.

The fact that the women were staying in a resort hotel room raises questions about the source of the carbon monoxide and how it might have accumulated in their room without being detected. Common sources of carbon monoxide in indoor environments include malfunctioning heating systems, gas-powered appliances, or improperly ventilated rooms. If any of these factors were at play at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort, the tragedy underscores the importance of proper maintenance and safety protocols in places where people are staying, especially in tourist accommodations where guests may not be familiar with the potential risks.

While carbon monoxide poisoning is a known hazard, incidents like this one are fortunately rare. However, when they do occur, they often spark increased scrutiny of building codes, safety inspections, and the monitoring of environmental hazards that could affect the health of guests. In this case, the Belizean authorities’ efforts to thoroughly investigate the cause of death and provide a clear answer to the families of the victims is a reminder of the importance of accountability and the need for robust safety standards in the hospitality industry.

A Look Into the Victims’ Lives

Kaoutar Naggad, Imane Mallah, and Wafae El-Arar were close friends from Massachusetts who had traveled to Belize for a much-anticipated vacation. They were all in their early twenties and were reportedly excited to experience the tropical beauty of the Caribbean. Their deaths have not only left their families in shock and mourning but have also garnered attention from around the world. The three women were described as bright, ambitious individuals with promising futures ahead of them.

Kaoutar Naggad, a 23-year-old from Massachusetts, was known for her passion for travel and adventure. Friends and family remembered her as an energetic and optimistic person, always looking for new experiences and opportunities. Imane Mallah, 24, was an aspiring professional, full of creativity and ambition. Her friends often referred to her as someone with a warm heart and a caring spirit, always putting others before herself. Wafae El-Arar, 26, was a dedicated and hard-working individual who had a strong sense of purpose. Her loved ones described her as someone who was deeply committed to her goals and was always striving for excellence in everything she did.

The three women had been planning the trip for several months and had looked forward to spending time together in Belize, enjoying the natural beauty of the island, and relaxing after months of hard work. Unfortunately, their lives were tragically cut short, and their families have been left to grapple with the devastating loss.

The Investigation and Findings

In the wake of the deaths, Belizean authorities quickly launched an investigation to determine the cause of the women’s deaths. Gian Cho, the executive director of the National Forensics and Science Services (NFSS), was instrumental in leading the toxicology investigations that would eventually confirm the cause of death as carbon monoxide poisoning.

The investigation involved a comprehensive toxicology screening of blood and liver tissues collected from the victims. This testing was crucial in determining the exact nature of the exposure and ensuring that the families would have definitive answers about the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The findings of the toxicology reports confirmed that the women had all been exposed to a fatal level of carbon monoxide, which had led to their deaths.

The toxicology screening revealed that the exposure to carbon monoxide led to acute pulmonary edema, a life-threatening condition in which the lungs fill with fluid, preventing the body from receiving enough oxygen. This condition is often fatal if not treated immediately. The tests showed that the levels of carbon monoxide in the victims’ systems were high enough to cause this severe reaction, leading to their tragic deaths.

The Aftermath and Calls for Action

The deaths of Naggad, Mallah, and El-Arar have raised significant questions about the safety protocols at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort and other similar establishments in Belize and around the world. While the investigation is ongoing, many are calling for increased regulation and safety measures to prevent future tragedies. Advocates for tourism safety are urging that hotels and resorts implement more rigorous inspections of their facilities, especially when it comes to gas-powered appliances and heating systems, to ensure that guests are not exposed to the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

In addition to addressing safety concerns, the families of the victims are calling for justice and accountability. They have expressed their desire for the resort and its management to be held responsible for the circumstances that led to their loved ones’ deaths. The families hope that this tragedy will serve as a wake-up call for the hospitality industry, prompting other resorts and hotels to take more proactive measures to ensure the safety of their guests.

The deaths of Naggad, Mallah, and El-Arar have had a profound impact not only on their families and friends but also on the broader community of travelers and tourists who visit Belize. Many have expressed their condolences and support for the victims’ families while also advocating for stronger safety measures to be put in place to protect future visitors.

Conclusion: A Call for Awareness and Prevention

The tragic deaths of Kaoutar Naggad, Imane Mallah, and Wafae El-Arar have highlighted the importance of vigilance when it comes to environmental hazards in places where people gather, including hotels, resorts, and other tourist destinations. Carbon monoxide poisoning, while rare, can have devastating consequences if proper precautions are not taken. As the investigation into the incident continues, it is clear that lessons must be learned, and measures must be put in place to prevent future tragedies.

For the families of Naggad, Mallah, and El-Arar, this tragedy has left an indelible mark on their lives. As they seek answers and justice for their loved ones, the world is reminded of the fragility of life and the need for greater awareness and prevention of the dangers that can lurk in the most unexpected places. The hope is that this tragedy will not only bring closure to the victims’ families but also help ensure the safety of future travelers and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.