Belize officials on Wednesday revealed the cause of death for three Massachusetts women who were found dead in their resort hotel room last month.
Three women, Kaoutar Naqqad, 23, Imane Mallah, 24, and Wafae El-Arar, 26, were previously identified by authorities after being discovered deceased on Feb. 22 at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro.
The National Forensics and Science Services (NFSS) executive director, Gian Cho, informed a local outlet Love FM that examinations indicated “the three victims all had fatal exposure to carbon monoxide.”
According to Cho, “Carbon monoxide has been identified as the contributing factor that led to the acute pulmonary edema, ultimately resulting in their deaths. We conducted thorough toxicology screenings on the blood and liver tissues of these individuals to provide the families with a definitive explanation and closure regarding the circumstances of their demise.”
“Our families and all who loved these women are shattered, struggling to comprehend this profound and sudden loss,” their families said. “With this statement, our families hope to honor Kaoutar, Imane and Wafae by telling the world about the girls we knew and loved.”
They went on to describe Mallah as a “radiant spirit, and a beacon of kindness.”
San Pedro is a popular tourist destination in Belize. (Getty Images / iStock)
“She embraced life wholeheartedly, cherishing every soul that shared the journey with her,” the statement reads.
Naqqad’s “kindness and warmth touched everyone she met.”
“She was compassionate, caring, and deeply devoted to those she loved. Her heart was full of generosity, always putting others before herself and offering a listening ear, a comforting word, and unwavering support,” the statement says.
El-Arar “was full of life, dreams, and unwavering faith.”
“Her name, meaning faithfulness and loyalty, was a true reflection of who she was — honest, kind, and deeply devoted to the people she loved. Wafae
was a bright mind with a passion for women’s health,” her family said.
