Details on the deaths of three young women found at a beach resort have emerged. A news reporter has also posted about the matter.
Three young women, identified as Koutar Naqqad, 23, Imane Mallah, 24, and Wafae El-arar, 26, were found dead in their hotel room at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro, Belize, on Saturday morning. Originally from Morocco, the women had been living in Revere, Massachusetts.
Authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding their deaths, with carbon monoxide poisoning and possible drug overdoses among the potential causes being considered.
According to police, surveillance footage showed the women entering their hotel room on Thursday evening, and they were never seen leaving. Hotel staff attempted to make contact multiple times on Friday, after noticing that there was no movement from the room.
However, when housekeeping knocked and received no response, they left. It wasn’t until Saturday morning—nearly 20 hours after the women are believed to have died—that staff finally entered the room and discovered their bodies.
Authorities found alcohol and gummies in the room, and officials noted that gummies have been linked to past hospitalizations. An autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday as part of the ongoing investigation.
The Belize police commissioner also stated that surveillance footage did not show anyone entering or leaving the women’s room after they checked in, adding another layer of mystery to the case.
The City of Revere expressed its grief over the sudden loss, stating, “The City of Revere extends our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the three local women who tragically and unexpectedly passed away in Belize.”
Boston 25 News reporter Bob Ward shared a tearjerking Facebook post honoring Mallah, El-arar, and Naqqad, who were on vacation when they met their demise. Along with his message, Ward attached two touching photos of the young women, capturing them in moments of joy and togetherness.
In his message, the reporter acknowledged the many unanswered questions surrounding the case, writing, “There are a lot of questions about what happened to these women.”
While Belizean authorities have stated that there were no obvious signs of foul play, the journalist revealed that he had spoken with one of the victims’ families, who expressed deep skepticism about the details emerging from Belize.
Ward noted that the family is heartbroken and plans to pay for private autopsies once the bodies are returned to the United States, seeking their own answers about what truly happened.
In his post, Ward also highlighted how all three women were young professionals with good-paying jobs (El-arar was a Research Technician at MGH) and were known to be responsible individuals. A vigil was scheduled to be held at a mosque in Revere in their memory, providing an opportunity for the community to grieve together.
At the end of his message, Ward promised continued coverage of the developing story, stating, “I’ll have more at 4, 5, 6PM [sic].”
Revere Mayor Patrick M. Keefe Jr. released a statement addressing the devastating loss of the three women, expressing his deep condolences to their families and the entire Revere community.
Calling the tragedy an “unimaginable loss,” he acknowledged that the three women were valued members of the city, leaving behind grieving loved ones who are now searching for answers. Much like Boston 25 News reporter Ward, Mayor Keefe pointed out growing concerns about the lack of transparency from Belizean authorities regarding the investigation.