Families of three Revere women found dead in Belize raise concerns about investigations

Boston Globe

24-03-2025

'Today, almost four weeks since their deaths were announced to the world, we continue to await the results of the primary investigation in Belize and a secondary review being conducted in Massachusetts,' the families said.
Kaoutar Naqqad was one of three Revere women found dead in a hotel room in Belize in February. Her family is demanding to learn the results of the Belizean investigation into the deaths.
Family of Kaoutar Naqqad
Advertisement
Naqqad was in college and worked at a group home helping youth, her family said. El Arar worked as a research technician at Massachusetts General Hospital. Mallah was a comfort to all who knew her and an 'irreplaceable part of the community,' her family said in an earlier statement.
'We speak today because we want the public and authorities, particularly those in Belize, to hear this: Kaoutar, Imane and Wafae deserve your best,' the Monday statement said. 'They deserve an honest and full investigation and we ask all of those in power in both Belize and the United States to join us in demanding answers to the true cause of this tragedy.'
The families said Monday they're particularly concerned that
the results of toxicology reports, which Belizean officials said could have been ready two weeks ago, have not been released to them.
Wafae El Arar graduated from Revere High School in 2017. She and two other women were found dead in their hotel room in Belize in February.
Family of Wafae El-Arar
'As the lead investigative authority, Belizean officials have a critical responsibility to thoroughly and transparently determine what caused this tragedy,' the families said.
The cause of death for the three women was identified as
Authorities have said alcohol and 'gummies' were found in the women's room.
Advertisement
Because official investigation results have not been released, the family continues to push for answers as to what could have led to all three deaths.
'Our loved ones deserve transparency and all who visit Belize, especially the resort, deserve to know they are safe,' the statement said.
Imane Mallah was vacationing with two friends in Belize when the group of three women from Revere were found dead on Feb. 22.
Family of Imane Mallah
The family said they're also demanding to know why the hotel reportedly
'We are deeply alarmed by news reports which suggest that carbon monoxide levels in the hotel could have been at dangerously high levels and that the resort has now suddenly closed without public explanation,' the statement said.
'We believe the families of all guests – past and future – deserve a clear explanation for this action. We respectfully urge the resort's management and Belizean authorities to share any information they have immediately, so that no other family has to endure the unimaginable pain we must now bear.'
The message from the families of Naqqad, El Arar and Mallah comes
The families expressed their gratitude for the 'prayers, patience and privacy' they've received from the community as they navigate their loss.
'Our families are incredibly grateful to the outpouring of support we have received from family, friends, leaders and loved ones since their passing,' they said. 'May their beautiful souls rest in eternal peace.'
Claire Thornton can be reached at