Posted: Wednesday, March 26, 2025. 10:20 pm CST.
By Aaron Humes: The National Forensic Science Service announced the toxicology results in connection with the tragic deaths of three U.S. nationals, Kaoutar Naqqad, Imane Mallah, and Wafae El Arar, found at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort a few weeks ago. Director Gian Cho stated in a press briefing that the comprehensive toxicology screening revealed fatal exposure to carbon monoxide, which contributed to the cause of death originally classified as acute pulmonary edema.
The investigation has been ongoing for approximately three weeks following the collection of samples. Cho explained the complexity of the tests required, which included screening for various illicit drugs and volatile gases. “No illegal or illicit drugs were found; carbon monoxide has been determined to be the underlying issue,” he confirmed.
The percentage of saturation of carbon monoxide was found to be significantly higher and well above fatal levels. Cho explained that normal results are 3.5 percent or less, with up to eight percent possible for smokers (known as carboxyhemoglobin levels). At 10 percent and above, adverse effects to carbon monoxide exposure – headaches, nausea, etc., kick in and at 40 percent above it turns fatal. All three women showed more than 60 percent saturation and one was as high as 80 percent, but the parts per million (PPM) content in the hotel room requires further calculations. Essentially, carbon monoxide molecules would have replaced oxygen on the molecule and the body would have shut down and fallen unconscious.
In light of the findings, Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police, addressed concerns regarding the initial negative carbon monoxide tests conducted in the hotel room after the bodies were discovered. Preliminary investigations indicated that some previous guests had detected carbon monoxide, prompting further testing by the Department of the Environment and the National Fire Service. However, these results have yet to be received in writing.
When asked if the findings would lead to potential charges against the resort’s owner, Commissioner Williams noted that while carbon monoxide exposure itself may not fall under criminal liability, the case will be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions for further consideration. “In the absence of criminal liability, it could become a civil matter,” he stated, emphasizing the responsibility of hoteliers to maintain safe accommodations as mandated by the Hoteliers Act.
The Ministry of Health and the Belize Tourism Board will likely scrutinize the situation further. The hotel will remain closed until authorities are convinced that the safety hazards have been adequately addressed. “There certainly does exist some health hazard,” Williams affirmed, highlighting that annual inspections by health officials are critical to ensuring guest safety.
The results have been shared with the Belizean medical examiner who conducted autopsies here and the families of the deceased through the U.S. Embassy.
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