Latest news with #WafaeElArar
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cause of death determined for 3 young American women who died at Belize resort
(KTLA) – A cause of death has been determined for three young women from the United States found dead in their hotel room at a resort in San Pedro, Belize, late last month, NBC News reported. The trio were found dead on Feb. 22 in a room at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort after housekeepers reported to management that there had been no answer to knocks at the door for a second consecutive day. Mexican Mafia associates found guilty of murdering federal inmate Investigators in Belize reported finding the bodies of the women, identified as 26-year-old Wafae El Arar, 24-year-old Imane Mallah and 23-year-old Kaoutar Naqqad, in the room with alcohol, vomit and 'gummies' present. Autopsy reports later found that none of the women had any illicit substances in their systems. On Feb. 26, Belize Fire Chief Colin Gillet told a Belizean television outlet that carbon monoxide poisoning had not been an issue in the deaths. However, the resort was temporarily shuttered, and a second round of testing was ordered, according to NBC News. On March 27, the executive director of Belize's National Forensic Science Services reported to local news outlets that all three women died from lethal levels of carbon monoxide in their systems. The resort, meanwhile, had already reopened on March 19, saying in a statement that 'all possible steps' had been taken to ensure the safety of its guests and that there was 'no further indication of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in any of the units,' NBC reported. Patrick M. Keefe Jr., mayor of Revere, Massachusetts, where the young women are from, described the trio as 'daughters, friends and contributors to our city,' NBC noted in earlier reporting on the incident. Family members of the women have reportedly been concerned with the integrity of the investigation. The Massachusetts chief medical examiner's office plans to run its own tests to determine the manner and cause of death. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cause of death determined for 3 young U.S. women found dead at Belize resort
A cause of death has been determined for three young women from the United States found dead in their hotel room at a resort in San Pedro, Belize, late last month, NBC News reported. The trio were discovered deceased on Feb. 22 in a room at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort after housekeepers reported to management that there had been no answer to knocks at the door for a second consecutive day. Investigators in Belize reported finding the bodies of the women, identified as 26-year-old Wafae El Arar, 24-year-old Imane Mallah and 23-year-old Kaoutar Naqqad, in the room with alcohol, vomit and 'gummies' present. Autopsy reports later found that none of the women had any illicit substances in their systems. On February 26, Belize Fire Chief Colin Gillet told a Belizean television outlet that carbon monoxide poisoning had not been an issue in the deaths. However, the resort was temporarily shuttered, and a second round of testing was ordered, according to NBC News. On March 27, the executive director of Belize's National Forensic Science Services reported to local news outlets that all three women died from lethal levels of carbon monoxide in their systems. The resort, meanwhile, had already reopened on March 19, saying in a statement that 'all possible steps' had been taken to ensure the safety of its guests and that there was 'No further indication of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in any of the units,' NBC reported. Patrick M. Keefe Jr., mayor of Revere, Massachusetts, where the young women are from, described the trio as 'daughters, friends and contributors to our city,' NBC noted in earlier reporting on the incident. Family members of the women have reportedly been concerned with the integrity of the investigation. The Massachusetts chief medical examiner's office plans to run its own tests to determine the manner and cause of death. A former British child star turned philanthropist and professional speaker living in Malibu, Rory Sykes, was determined to have died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning during the recent Palisades fire that killed at least a dozen people in after it ignited on Jan. 7. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
3 Americans in Belize died from carbon monoxide in hotel room, officials say
Three American women who were discovered dead in a Belize resort hotel room last month died from carbon monoxide poisoning, their families said. A joint statement this week from their families cites the U.S. Embassy in Belize and says the women died from "acute carbon monoxide poisoning, likely caused by a faulty instant water heater." Wafae El Arar, 26; Imane Mallah, 24; and Kaoutar Naqqad, 23, were found dead in their San Pedro hotel room Feb. 22, officials said. Mayor Patrick M. Keefe Jr. of Revere, Massachusetts, has described the women as "daughters, friends and contributors to our city." On Thursday, Belize National Forensic Science Service's executive director told local news stations the women had lethal levels of carboxyhemoglobin — greater than 50% — which forms in red blood cells tainted by carbon monoxide before shoving vital oxygen aside. Forensics chief Gian Cho said the three had no illicit drugs in their systems. Belize Police Commissioner Chester Williams said last month that vomit, alcohol and "gummies" were observed in the hotel room. Marijuana gummies are popular in states where cannabis is legal; fatal overdoses are rare. Belize Fire Chief Colin Gillet told PlusTV last month carbon monoxide poisoning was ruled out. A second round of testing was ordered, however, and the hotel was temporarily closed, Williams has said. Representatives of the hotel did not immediately respond to a request for comment late Friday. The families were concerned about the integrity of the investigation, and the Massachusetts chief medical examiner's office agreed to determine cause and manner of death, still pending. In their statement Thursday, the families said, "Survivors such as our families deserve their best, honest work. We received it today but needed it throughout this investigative process." This article was originally published on
NBC News
28-03-2025
- Health
- NBC News
3 Americans in Belize died from carbon monoxide in hotel room, officials say
Three American women who were discovered dead in a Belize resort hotel room last month died from carbon monoxide poisoning, their families said. A joint statement this week from their families cites the U.S. Embassy in Belize and says the women died from "acute carbon monoxide poisoning, likely caused by a faulty instant water heater." Wafae El Arar, 26; Imane Mallah, 24; and Kaoutar Naqqad, 23, were found dead in their San Pedro hotel room Feb. 22, officials said. Mayor Patrick M. Keefe Jr. of Revere, Massachusetts, has described the women as "daughters, friends and contributors to our city." On Thursday, Belize National Forensic Science Service's executive director told local news stations the women had lethal levels of carboxyhemoglobin — greater than 50% — which forms in red blood cells tainted by carbon monoxide before shoving vital oxygen aside. Forensics chief Gian Cho said the three had no illicit drugs in their systems. Belize Police Commissioner Chester Williams said last month that vomit, alcohol and "gummies" were observed in the hotel room. Marijuana gummies are popular in states where cannabis is legal; fatal overdoses are rare. Belize Fire Chief Colin Gillet told PlusTV last month carbon monoxide poisoning was ruled out. A second round of testing was ordered, however, and the hotel was temporarily closed, Williams has said. Representatives of the hotel did not immediately respond to a request for comment late Friday. The families were concerned about the integrity of the investigation, and the Massachusetts chief medical examiner's office agreed to determine cause and manner of death, still pending. In their statement Thursday, the families said, "Survivors such as our families deserve their best, honest work. We received it today but needed it throughout this investigative process."
Boston Globe
10-03-2025
- Health
- Boston Globe
Families of Revere women who died in Belize call for ‘transparent' investigation
'The circumstances surrounding this tragedy remain unclear and suspicious, and we are seeking answers to understand what happened in Belize,' the families said in a statement issued on their Authorities in Belize have said the women appeared to have froth been frothing at their mouths and investigators found alcohol and 'gummies' in the room. There was no sign of forced entry or injuries. Advertisement In the statement, relatives recalled each of the women. Wafae 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,' relatives said. She was 'on a personal journey of faith, planning to wear the hijab this Ramadan alongside her younger sister.' Wafae El Arar cuts a cake in celebration of her graduation. (Family Photo) Family Photo El Arar graduated from Revere High School in 2017 and Stonehill College in 2021 with a degree in biochemistry, according to her LinkedIn profile. El Arar was a research technician at the Mitchell Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital focused on women's health. She was 'committed to making a difference in an area often overlooked in healthcare,' relatives said. 'She was so proud to have recently Advertisement Imane Mallah 'had a unique ability to listen deeply, making everyone feel heard and valued,' relatives said. 'She was a radiant spirit, and a beacon of kindness. She embraced life wholeheartedly, cherishing every soul that shared the journey with her.' Her friends considered her 'a warm, comforting light, guiding them through even the darkest of times,' the family wrote. She was a graduate of Revere High School. Imane Mallah. (Family Photo) Family Photo Mallah worked with Phoenix Protective Service, a Charlestown-based security firm, according to a Her family wrote that 'Imane poured her heart into everything she did. Her laughter was contagious, and her stories were filled with humor and wisdom, leaving those around her both entertained and inspired ... She was our greatest love and we will miss her every day for the rest of our lives.' Kaoutar Naqqad was 'the light in our lives, someone whose kindness and warmth touched everyone she met,' her relatives said. 'As the youngest daughter of four siblings, she held a special place in our family, bringing joy, laughter, and love into our home every single day.' She was attending college and also worked at a group home for 'troubled youth,' her family wrote. Her professional goal was to become part of law enforcement. Kaoutar Naqqad. (Family Photo) Family Photo Naqqad, also a graduate of Revere High School, had taken the civil service exam and recently took the civil service exam for the State Police. Advertisement Naqqad had a fear of flying but set that aside to visit Belize with her two close friends. She was planning to visit Morocco with her parents this summer, according to relatives. 'Her heart was full of generosity, always putting others before herself and offering a listening ear, a comforting word, and unwavering support,' the family wrote. 'We cannot put into words the depth of our grief and the void that Kaoutar's passing has left in our hearts.' The families expressed thanks for the outpouring of support they have received in Revere and among the Muslim and Moroccan communities in the area. 'We ask for continued prayers, patience, and privacy as we navigate this profound sorrow,' they said. 'May their beautiful souls rest in eternal peace.' John R. Ellement can be reached at
