REVERE, MASSACHUSETTS – Three American women were tragically found deceased at a beach resort in Belize over the weekend, local officials reported. Belizean authorities are currently investigating the deaths, with suspicions leaning towards possible drug overdoses. The women, identified as Kaoutar Naqqad, Imane Mallah, and Wafae El-Arar, were guests at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort, where they were staying.

The city of Revere expressed its condolences for the loss of the three women, confirming that they were residents of the local area. Housing staff at the resort raised concerns after the women were seen entering their rooms on Thursday evening but not reemerging. Upon failing to elicit a response from the guests the following morning, staff utilized a master key to access the rooms, where the women were discovered unresponsive.

Although the precise cause of death has not been confirmed, emergency responders noted the presence of froth around the women’s mouths, indicative of a potential drug overdose. Authorities ruled out signs of forced entry or physical harm, finding personal belongings and electronic devices within the women’s accommodation. The Royal Kahal Beach Resort, where the incident occurred, is a luxury getaway located on Ambergris Caye in San Pedro Town, Belize.

In response to the tragic event, the U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory for Belize on December 30, 2024, citing concerns regarding crime in the region. The advisory cautioned travelers about the high incidence of violent crimes, such as sexual assaults, home invasions, armed robberies, and homicides, even in tourist-populated areas during daylight hours. Police in Belize continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the three American women.