The families of Kaoutar Naqqad (23), Imane Mallah (24) and Wafae El-Arar (26 years old) published a statement following confirmation that the three American women died of carbon monoxide poisoning in vacation in Belize last month.
The women were found insensitive in their hotel room at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro on February 22. On March 26, the Bélizian authorities confirmed that the toxic carbon monoxide levels were responsible for their death, with the carboxyhemoglobin level of each woman exceeding 60% – a little above the safety threshold.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless underdooly gas produced by fuel combustion devices. It can be fatal in closed spaces, and the first tests failed to detect it in the hotel room. However, a second test, carried out after continuous pressure from families and the media, confirmed its presence.
The Belize police commissioner, Chester Williams, acknowledged that the previous conclusions were not conclusive and said that the results of the final tests were still pending. During a previous press conference on February 24, Williams mentioned the presence of alcohol and gums infused with THC on the scene, but no substances were found in the bodies of the victims, according to the national director of the Gian Cho judicial science service.
In a joint statement published on Wednesday, families said they were “broken by the loss of these three lively lights” and expressed their gratitude for the “in -depth and independent” investigation. They underlined the need for meticulous and respectful manipulation of such tragedies by the police and the media in the future.
“Although today’s official conclusion puts these first reports to rest, we hope that this will give the authorities of the police to take a break before taking similar suggestions in future surveys,” the families said. “Survivors such as our families deserve their best honest work. We received it today, but we needed it throughout this investigation process. ”
Families also await the results of an independent examination separate from the Massachusetts authorities and have urged Béliziens officials to continue investigating to avoid future damage.
They thanked themselves for local and international media, American and Béliziens officials, and the larger community for continuous support.
“May their beautiful souls rest in eternal peace. We will love you forever and you will miss, Kaoutar, Imane and Wafae, ”concluded the press release. “Our families ask for continuous prayers, patience and privacy while we sail on this unimaginable loss.”
