Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Confirmed in Deaths of Three American Tourists in Belize

Belizean authorities identify an instant hot water heater as the likely source of the gas that killed three women from Massachusetts in February.

Kaoutar Naqqad, Imane Mallah, and Wafae El-Arar, all from Massachusetts, were found dead in their hotel room at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort on February 22, 2025.
Toxicology results confirmed acute carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause of death, with carboxyhemoglobin levels exceeding 60%.
Belizean authorities conducted a second test of the hotel room after initial testing showed no signs of carbon monoxide; final results are still pending.
An instant hot water heater is the suspected source of the carbon monoxide, though investigations are ongoing.
The victims' families, initially skeptical of the investigation, expressed relief at the findings but await results of a secondary review in Massachusetts.