Families of Three Massachusetts Women File $100 Million Lawsuit Following Fatal Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Belize

On February 22, 2025, three women from Revere, Massachusetts—Wafae El-Arar, 26, Kaoutar Naqqad, 23, and Imane Mallah, 24—were found dead in their hotel room at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro, Belize. Initial reports indicated that the women died from "acute pulmonary edema," but subsequent investigations confirmed that carbon monoxide poisoning was the sole cause of death. Belize Police Commissioner Chester Williams suggested that a malfunctioning gas-powered water heater may have been responsible for the toxic gas exposure.

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In response to the tragedy, the families of the deceased women have filed a wrongful death lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts, seeking $100 million in damages. The lawsuit names multiple defendants, including the Royal Kahal Beach Resort, its Canadian owners, local contractors, the American manufacturer of the water heater (Navien), and Expedia, the travel site used to book the trip. The families allege a "catastrophic failure of safety systems," claiming that the resort did not investigate previous warnings from guests about carbon monoxide exposure and lacked a functional carbon monoxide detector in the suite where the women stayed.

Families of 3 Massachusetts women who died at Belize resort file $100m lawsuit against hotel, Expedia: reportFamilies of Revere women who died in Belize hotel file wrongful death lawsuit against resort, ExpediaFamilies of three American women who died of carbon monoxide poisoning at Belize hotel file federal lawsuitRevere Families File Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Belize Resort Over Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Tragedy

Attorney Thomas Scolaro, representing the families, emphasized that the incident was not an unavoidable accident but rather a foreseeable outcome of decisions prioritizing profit over safety. He stated, "This was the foreseeable result of decisions that put safety last and a bottom line first."

Revere Families File Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Belize Resort Over Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Tragedy

The women had traveled to Belize for vacation, and their deaths occurred just one day before they were scheduled to return home. Eyewitness accounts reveal that hotel staff attempted to enter their room after receiving no response, ultimately discovering the women unresponsive. Initial speculation about drug involvement was later dismissed after toxicology reports confirmed no illicit substances in their systems.

Families of three American women who died of carbon monoxide poisoning at Belize hotel file federal lawsuit

The families have expressed their grief and frustration over the circumstances surrounding their loved ones' deaths. They stated, "We trusted that the places and companies inviting families to stay with them cared about safety as much as they cared about profit. We now know that trust was misplaced." The lawsuit aims not only to seek justice for the victims but also to prevent similar tragedies in the future by holding the responsible parties accountable.

Revere Families File Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Belize Resort Over Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Tragedy

The families have articulated their motivations for the lawsuit, stating, "We are here because accountability matters, because it can prevent future tragedies, and because our daughters’ lives mattered." They hope that the legal action will lead to meaningful changes in safety protocols within the hospitality industry.

Families of 3 Massachusetts women who died at Belize resort file $100m lawsuit against hotel, Expedia: report

The lawsuit is expected to unfold in the coming months, with the families advocating for a thorough examination of the facts and accountability for the corporations involved. The outcome may set a precedent regarding the responsibilities of companies that cater to American consumers abroad.

Families of Revere women who died in Belize hotel file wrongful death lawsuit against resort, Expedia

• “This was not an unavoidable accident,” — Thomas Scolaro, Attorney for the families

Families of three American women who died of carbon monoxide poisoning at Belize hotel file federal lawsuit

• “We now know that trust was misplaced. We are here because accountability matters, because it can prevent future tragedies, and because our daughters’ lives mattered.” — Family statement

Families of Revere women who died in Belize hotel file wrongful death lawsuit against resort, Expedia

• “We trusted that the places and companies inviting families to stay with them cared about safety as much as they cared about profit,” — Family statement

Families of Revere women who died in Belize hotel file wrongful death lawsuit against resort, Expedia