Three American women died at a Belize beach resort over the weekend, police said Monday, with officials investigating the deaths as possible drug overdose.
Belize police have identified the woman as Kaoutar Naqqad, 23, Iman Mallah, 24, and Wafae El-Arar, 26. They did not release any additional details.
The city of Libya, Massachusetts, said in a social media post that the three women were local residents.
“The city of Libya expresses sincere depraved dol to the family and friends of three local women who died tragically and unexpectedly in Belize,” he said in a Facebook post.
Resort housing staff tried to contact the woman several times on Friday after surveillance footage showed she was in her room Thursday night and not returning, police said in a statement. After staff were not responded on Saturday morning, they entered using the master key and found that the woman was not moving.
The cause of their deaths remained unconfirmed. The first responder said the woman was found with foam in her mouth, suggesting a possible drug overdose.
Police found snacks, liquids, steam and other electronic devices in the woman’s room without any signs of forced entry or visible injuries.
Royal Cahal is a luxury beachfront resort located in Ambergriscay in San Pedro Town, Belize, according to its website.
Police said they were still investigating.
On December 30, 2024, the US State Department issued a Belize travel advisory for crimes.
“Violent crimes such as sexual assault, home invasion, armed robbery and murder are common during the day and in tourist areas,” the advisory said.
