3 Americans in Belize died from carbon monoxide in hotel room, officials say
Three American women who were discovered dead in a Belize resort hotel room last month died from carbon monoxide poisoning, their families said.
Three American women who were discovered dead in a Belize resort hotel room last month died from carbon monoxide poisoning, their families said.
A joint statement this week from their families cites the U.S. Embassy in Belize and says the women died from "acute carbon monoxide poisoning, likely caused by a faulty instant water heater."
Wafae El Arar, 26; Imane Mallah, 24; and Kaoutar Naqqad, 23, were found dead in their San Pedro hotel room Feb. 22, officials said.
Mayor Patrick M. Keefe Jr. of Revere, Massachusetts, has described the women as "daughters, friends and contributors to our city."
From left, Kaoutar Naqqad, Wafae El Arar, Imane Mallah.Obtained by NBC NewsOn Thursday, Belize National Forensic Science Service's executive director told local news stations the women had lethal levels of carboxyhemoglobin — greater than 50% — which forms in red blood cells tainted by carbon monoxide before shoving vital oxygen aside.
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