The Royal Kahal Tragedy: 5 Shocking Facts About The Carbon Monoxide Deaths Of Three American Women In Belize

The tragic deaths of three young American women at a luxury resort in Belize sent shockwaves across the United States and raised serious questions about international travel safety. As of December 12, 2025, the official cause of death has been confirmed as acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, concluding a complex and highly scrutinized investigation that initially saw conflicting reports and speculation.

The women—close friends from Revere, Massachusetts—were on a dream vacation that turned into a nightmare at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro Town. Their story has become a grim focal point for debates on resort accountability and the hidden dangers lurking in inadequately regulated international accommodations.

Complete Profile and Biography of The Victims

The three women whose lives were tragically cut short were lifelong friends from the close-knit community of Revere, Massachusetts. They were remembered by their families and the community as vibrant, ambitious, and inseparable.

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• Wafae El-Arar
  • Age: 26 years old.
  • Hometown: Revere, Massachusetts.
  • Education: Graduate of Revere High School.
  • Life: Described by family as a dedicated and cherished daughter and friend.
• Imane Mallah
  • Age: 24 years old.
  • Hometown: Revere, Massachusetts.
  • Education: Graduate of Revere High School.
  • Life: Known for her energetic personality and strong bond with her friends.
• Kaoutar Naqqad
  • Age: 23 years old.
  • Hometown: Revere, Massachusetts.
  • Education: Graduate of Revere High School.
  • Life: The youngest of the group, she was celebrated for her kindness and adventurous spirit.
• Vacation Details: The trio traveled to San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye, Belize, and were staying at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort. They were discovered deceased in their hotel room on a Saturday in February 2024.

The Five Most Shocking Details of The Belize Resort Tragedy

The investigation into the deaths of Kaoutar Naqqad, Imane Mallah, and Wafae El-Arar was marked by confusing statements, initial misdirection, and a final, devastating conclusion. The following details highlight the most contentious and shocking aspects of the case.

1. The Official Cause: Acute Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Despite initial public speculation fueled by early police reports, the toxicology report delivered the definitive and shocking truth: the women died from acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas, often called the "silent killer." The confirmation of CO poisoning shifted the focus of the investigation from potential foul play or personal consumption to the structural integrity and safety standards of the Royal Kahal Beach Resort.

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2. Conflicting Initial Reports and Early Speculation

In the immediate aftermath of the discovery, Belizean authorities released preliminary information that sowed confusion and frustration among the victims' families and the public.

Initial reports suggested the women had fluid buildup in their lungs, a finding that can be consistent with various causes, including CO poisoning. Furthermore, there was an investigation into whether the women had consumed a contaminated substance, such as tequila or other drugs, a theory that was widely reported but later contradicted by the official toxicology findings.

The conflicting narratives led to the Mayor of Revere, Massachusetts, expressing "widespread concern" and questioning the thoroughness of the initial investigation by Belizean officials.

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3. Evidence of Previous Carbon Monoxide Incidents at The Resort

Perhaps the most damning detail to emerge from the ongoing scrutiny is the claim that the Royal Kahal Beach Resort may have had a history of non-fatal carbon monoxide incidents.

This suggests the resort management was potentially aware of a dangerous safety issue before the tragedy occurred. The revelation has amplified the calls for accountability and legal action against the resort for negligence. Following the incident, the Royal Kahal Beach Resort was temporarily closed as further CO testing and investigations were conducted.

4. The Source of The Carbon Monoxide Remains Under Scrutiny

While the cause of death is confirmed, the specific source of the deadly gas remains a critical focus of the continuing investigation. In many similar international resort tragedies, the CO source is often traced back to faulty appliances, such as water heaters, air conditioning units, or generators, located near or directly venting into guest rooms.

The families of the victims are demanding a full, transparent investigation to pinpoint the exact structural failure that led to the fatal exposure. This is crucial not only for justice but also to prevent future incidents at other resorts in the region.

5. The Broader Context of Belize Tourism Safety

The tragedy brought the issue of tourism safety in Belize to the forefront. The U.S. State Department has long issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Belize, primarily due to an increased risk of crime.

However, the deaths of the three women highlighted a distinct and equally dangerous threat: the lack of mandated carbon monoxide detectors in many hotels and lodgings throughout the country. The U.S. government explicitly warns citizens traveling to Belize about the risk of CO poisoning, urging them to bring their own detectors.

The high-profile nature of this case, involving three young, beloved members of the Revere community, has spurred a greater public conversation about the inherent risks when staying in accommodations that do not adhere to the same stringent safety standards found in the United States.

The Community and Family Reaction: Demands for Justice

The deaths of Kaoutar Naqqad, Imane Mallah, and Wafae El-Arar devastated their families and their hometown of Revere. The trio, described as "Revere High grads" who grew up together, were mourned by hundreds at community gatherings.

The families have united in their grief and their demand for accountability. The official confirmation of carbon monoxide poisoning, which is entirely preventable, has fueled their outrage.

• Family Statements: The families have released statements expressing their gratitude for the public support and their determination to see the investigation through. They are seeking legal avenues to ensure that the Royal Kahal Beach Resort is held responsible for the negligence that cost the women their lives.
• Financial Support: Multiple GoFundMe pages were quickly set up to help the families repatriate their loved ones and cover funeral expenses, raising significant funds from the supportive community.
• Political Pressure: The tragedy prompted local politicians, including the Revere Mayor, to put pressure on both the U.S. State Department and Belizean authorities to ensure a full and transparent investigation.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers in paradise. While the investigation continues to look for the specific point of failure, the core message remains: carbon monoxide poisoning is a global travel threat, and travelers must take proactive steps, such as carrying a portable CO detector, to protect themselves from this "silent killer."