Tragic carbon monoxide poisoning claims lives of three American women

In February 2025, three women from Massachusetts—Kaoutar Naqqad, Imane Mallah, and Wafae El-Arar—were found unconscious in their hotel room at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in Belize. After two days of unsuccessful attempts by hotel staff to contact them, the women were discovered and pronounced dead. Subsequent investigations led by authorities in Belize revealed high levels of carboxyhemoglobin in the victims' blood, indicative of fatal exposure to carbon monoxide poisoning. These findings prompted further scrutiny into the conditions of the resort. Initially, Belize Police Commissioner Chester Williams had suggested the presence of alcohol and gummy substances in the room, hinting at possible overdose as a cause of death. However, toxicology reports showed no illicit drugs in the women's systems, and experts determined that the acute pulmonary edema observed was a direct result of carbon monoxide exposure, which can arise from multiple sources, including faulty appliances. Authorities expressed concern about the initial handling of the investigation, stating that the hotel had temporarily closed operations for a second round of testing for carbon monoxide. Previous guests had reported suspicious carbon monoxide levels during their stay, which demanded immediate action from safety officials. The resort's management faced additional scrutiny following these alarming developments, leading to calls from the victims' families for transparency regarding safety measures. As investigations continued, the families reported feeling deeply unsettled, calling the deaths suspicious and expressing their demand for clarification regarding the hotel's safety protocols and maintenance. Ultimately, this tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and the responsibilities of hospitality establishments in ensuring the safety of their guests.