Three Young American Women Found Dead in Hotel Room at Beach Resort – Details

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.

He noted that the information released so far has left too many unanswered questions, adding that families and community members have voiced their widespread concerns about the media narrative being shaped by Belizean officials. In light of this, Keefe reaffirmed that he and other officials are committed to seeking a fair and thorough investigation.

The mayor also referenced the Level 2 Travel Advisory for Belize, which was issued by the US Department of State in December 2024, citing an increased risk of crime in the country.

He assured the public that the city will explore all possible avenues, both domestic and international, to ensure a proper and just review of the circumstances surrounding the women’s deaths.

Additionally, Keefe confirmed that he has been in touch with members of the federal delegation, including Senator Ed Markey and Whip Katherine Clark, and that they are working together to bring much-needed answers to the victims’ families.

The family of El-arar has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses and support their family during this devastating time. In the heartfelt fundraiser, they describe her as a “bright, kind, and loving soul” who left a lasting impact on everyone she met.

Her loved ones are seeking contributions, no matter how small, to ease the financial burden they now face in the wake of this unimaginable loss. They included a beautiful family photo with their message.

The page also features an Arabic prayer, which reads, “O Allah, forgive her, have mercy on her, pardon her, and grant her a spacious grave. Cleanse her with water, snow, and hail, and purify her from sins as a white garment is purified from dirt.”

“May Allah grant Wafae eternal peace and place her in the highest ranks of Jannah. Ameen,” the family wrote, sharing their faith and hope that she will be granted divine mercy. They thanked people for their love, generosity, and prayers.

Like El-arar’s family, Naqqad’s loved ones have also created a GoFundMe page in her memory, seeking support to cover the funeral, burial, and transportation expenses needed to bring her back to the US.

In their touching tribute, they describe Naqqad as a “beloved Muslim sister, daughter, and friend” whose passing has left an immeasurable void in many lives. “To Allah we belong, and to Him we will return to [sic],” penned the family in their message, which included beautiful photos of Naqqad.

Mallah’s family created a GoFundMe campaign to honor her memory and assist with funeral and memorial expenses following her tragic passing, too. In a deeply emotional message, her grieving parent expressed the unimaginable pain of losing a child, writing, “No parent should ever have to endure such pain, and the grief is overwhelming.”

The heartfelt plea, also written in Arabic, reflects both the sorrow of her loss and the family’s desire to give Mallah the farewell she deserves. They included a beautiful photo of her with her dad.

The statement also encouraged supporters to keep Mallah in their prayers and share the campaign with others, ensuring that her memory is honored and that her family receives the support they desperately need. The message closes with heartfelt gratitude for the kindness and generosity extended to them.

During a Channel 5 Belize interview with her mom, dad, and sibling, Mallah’s sister mentioned how the late 24-year-old had spoken to her about wanting to take a vacation for a while and confirmed how close Mallah was with El-arar and Naqqad.

Mallah had initially planned on going on vacation last year (2024) but fell ill. “This was kind of her redemption cause she just started to feel better. She had like a stomach virus for a long time and it made her sick a lot,” disclosed Mallah’s sister.

“My reaction at first was that it’s not true, that she gets sick sometimes and she goes MIA for days on end and it happens all the time where she’ll be in the hospital and she wouldn’t speak to me for like two or three days. And then she would just let me know, ‘I’m ok, I’m in the hospital,’ and I just know to leave her alone,” divulged the grieving sister.

However, when authorities informed Mallah’s sibling that all three of the friends passed away due to a potential overdose, she expressed her disbelief in the validity of what she had been told.

“I know that that’s a lie because Imane was clean, she wasn’t doing anything. Koutar and Wafae would never, and the three of them wouldn’t die at once if that was the case, and Imane is a very smart girl, she knows not to do that,” expressed the sister.

After reemphasizing how her sister would never indulge in dangerous extracurriculars, Mallah’s sibling got emotional when expressing how she will remember the late young lady.

“I’m gonna remember her as my sister, as my best friend. I’ll never forget her and Imane means faith in Arabic, and I know that Imane is in heaven and I know that she’s much happier. She loved so deeply, she felt everything so deeply,” she shared.

As Mallah’s other loved one cried off-camera, the late young lady’s sister spoke about how important Mallah’s faith was to her, adding, “And I know that she’s home now.”

At this time, we wish to extend our most heartfelt condolences to Mallah, El-afar, and Naqqad’s heartbroken families, friends, and other loved ones as they mourn such significant losses. We hope for their healing amid their time of grief. RIP, dear Mallah, El-afar, and Naqqad.