Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Confirmed as Cause of Death for Three American Women in Belize

Toxicology reports reveal fatal exposure likely linked to a faulty hot water heater at a San Pedro resort, as families push for accountability and safety reforms.

Kaoutar Naqqad, Imane Mallah, and Wafae El-Arar, all from Massachusetts, died of carbon monoxide poisoning at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in Belize on February 22, 2025.
Toxicology reports confirmed carboxyhemoglobin levels above 60%, indicating fatal exposure to the odorless, colorless gas.
Authorities suspect the carbon monoxide leak originated from an instant hot water heater in the victims' hotel room.
Belizean authorities conducted a second test of the hotel room after initial assessments failed to detect carbon monoxide, with final results still pending.
The victims' families, while satisfied with the thoroughness of the investigation's conclusion, are awaiting results from a secondary review in Massachusetts and advocating for improved safety standards in tourist accommodations.