Three Moroccan-American Women Found Dead at Belize Beach Resort, Possible Overdose Suspected

Three American women were found dead at a beach resort in Belize, with authorities investigating a possible drug overdose after discovering “alcohol and some gummies” in their hotel room.

Kaoutar Naqqad, 23, Imane Mallah, 24, and Wafae El-Arar, 26 — all from Revere, Mass. — were found unresponsive Saturday at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro, police said. Hotel staff became concerned after surveillance footage showed the women entering their room Thursday night but never coming back out. When multiple attempts to contact them failed, staff entered the room and discovered the tragic scene.

Although the official cause of death has yet to be confirmed, first responders noted that the women had froth around their mouths, a possible sign of a drug overdose.

Kaoutar Naqqad, 23, Imane Mallah, 24, and Wafae El-Arar, 26, were found dead in their Belize hotel room.

“The police did a thorough search of the scene, along with the pathologists and scenes of crime. There was nothing of substance that could have been found other than alcohol and some gummies,” Police Commissioner Chester Williams said. “We’re not saying at this time that the gummies caused death, but we’re looking at every possibility.”

Authorities are investigating whether the gummies were brought into the country or purchased locally. “We’re trying to do as best as we can, including to see where they may have gone on Thursday before they went home, what if anything they consumed. All these things we’re looking at,” Williams added.

Wafae El-Arar was found dead in her Belize hotel room on Saturday.

The pathologist estimated that the women may have died nearly 20 hours before being discovered. Police found no signs of forced entry or visible injuries, but did recover snacks, liquids, vapes, and electronic devices from the room.

Online fundraisers had raised over $25,000 by Tuesday morning to help return the women’s bodies to the U.S. and cover funeral expenses. Local reports indicate that all three women were of Moroccan descent but held U.S. citizenship.

The police investigation remains ongoing.