The families of three American women who were found dead at a hotel in Belize are mourning their tragic loss and asking for prayers as they navigate this difficult time.
Kaoutar Naqqad, 23, Imane Mallah, 24, and Wafae El-Arar, 26, were discovered dead at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro Town on February 22, 2025. They had checked into the resort’s Bird of Paradise Suite on February 19.
The deaths are being investigated as potential drug overdoses, although the exact cause of death has not been confirmed.
Police are still working to determine what happened, and the families are calling for a thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the deaths, which they describe as “unclear and suspicious.”
In a joint statement shared, the families requested “continued prayers, patience, and privacy as we navigate this profound sorrow.”
READ ALSO: Texas Mother Starved Disabled Daughter Until She Weighed 55 lbs, Not Bathed In Years
The women’s tragic deaths have left their loved ones devastated, and the families are asking for understanding as they cope with their grief.
Remembering the Victims:
- Kaoutar Naqqad, the youngest of four siblings, was described as a compassionate and caring person, always putting others before herself. Her family remembered her as someone who brought joy, laughter, and love into their lives. A college student working at a group home for troubled youth, Kaoutar had aspirations to join the police force. She had planned a trip to Morocco with her parents in the summer.
- Imane Mallah was remembered as a “radiant spirit” who embraced life with enthusiasm and kindness. Her friends described her as a beacon of warmth, guiding those around her with her infectious smile and compassionate heart. She had a unique ability to listen deeply, making everyone feel valued and heard.
- Wafae El-Arar was passionate about women’s health and dedicated herself to advancing reproductive rights as a research technician at Massachusetts General Hospital. She had recently co-authored a journal article that she hoped would help women globally. Known for her faith, dreams, and vibrant personality, Wafae was deeply loved by her family, including her niece and nephew, who cherished her as a fun-loving aunt.
Ongoing Investigation:
The investigation into the deaths of the three women is ongoing. Police are exploring the possibility of a drug overdose but have not ruled out other causes.
The families of the women have urged both U.S. and Belizean authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
