Cause of Death of American Women Confirmed

The tragic deaths of three young women at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro, Belize, have been confirmed to be caused by acute pulmonary oedema, according to the Executive Director of the National Forensic Science Service, Gian Sho.

In an interview with CBS News Boston, Sho stated, “”The lead examiner concluded the terminal cause of death to be acute pulmonary oedema… and what led to acute pulmonary oedema is what is pending investigation.”

Also part of the interview was Police Commissioner Chester Williams, who reaffirmed that physical trauma was not observed, as there were “no signs of violence on the bodies of the 3 young women.” Williams added that the vomit found beside each woman led investigations to suspect drug overdose.

Alcohol and gummies were discovered in the room, and forensic tests on these items are being analysed to uncover any potential links to the deaths.

The U.S. Embassy is working closely with Belizean authorities, with toxicology results expected within 7 to 14 days. Samples were taken and will be sent to a laboratory in the US for testing. A complete report could take up to a month, depending on the findings.

Kaoutar Naqqad, 23, Imane Mallah, 24, and Wafae El-Arar, 26—were found dead in their hotel suite on Saturday morning. The women were residents of Revere City, Massachusetts.

Colin Gillet, the Fire Chief of the Belize National Fire Service, confirmed that officers conducted two separate tests for carbon monoxide and “found nothing.” 

Sho added that though the fire department has ruled out carbon monoxide as a factor, the forensic department will “still be going to test the samples for carbon monoxide” 

The investigation to determine what led to acute pulmonary oedema is still ongoing.