📍Geneva, Switzerland
From Dream Trip to Nightmare Belize: The Story of the Young Women Who Shook the World
Is the Royal Kahal Resort Hiding a Deadly Secret?
On the morning of Saturday, February 22, 2025, social media was shaken by a shocking tragedy. News outlets in San Pedro, Belize, reported the mysterious deaths of three young Moroccan-American women: Kawtar Neqad (23), Iman Mallah (24), and Wafaa Larraar (26).
A Vacation Turns Into a Nightmare
The three women arrived at Royal Kahal Resort on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, for a five-day getaway. They checked into the Bird of Paradise suite, planning to return to the U.S. on Sunday, February 23. However, fate had other plans. What was meant to be a joyful vacation ended in a devastating tragedy, leaving their families, friends, and social media users in shock and mourning.
Bodies Discovered After Unjustified Delay
On the morning of Friday, February 21, housekeeping staff attempted to contact the guests for room cleaning but received no response. Despite this, no immediate action was taken to check on their well-being.
The following morning, on Saturday, February 22, staff returned and, after multiple failed attempts to reach the women, were forced to unlock the suite at 11:30 AM using the master key. What they found was horrifying—the three women were unresponsive, lying in different areas of the suite in a scene that suggested a tragic and mysterious end.
Emergency responders arrived swiftly and confirmed all three women were deceased. The circumstances surrounding their deaths raised serious questions about the resort’s delayed response and its failure to ensure guest safety, pointing to alarming negligence.
The Scene Inside the Suite
When the police arrived at the scene, they found:
1. One woman partially undressed, lying on the bed covered with a white sheet, with a yellowish substance coming from her mouth.
2. Another face down near the bathroom, wearing a leopard-print dress.
3. The third lying near the table, dressed in a pink blouse and shorts.
There were no visible injuries, no signs of forced entry, and no immediate evidence of foul play. Inside the suite, authorities found snacks, beverages, gelatin-based sweets, and electronic devices.
Negligence and Lack of Oversight
Security footage showed the three women entering the resort on the evening of Thursday, February 20, at 7:09 PM. After that, there were no recorded exits. Despite their prolonged absence, the resort failed to check on their well-being or raise any alarms.
Housekeeping staff also played a role in the delayed discovery. When they couldn’t access the room on Friday, they failed to report the situation or escalate concerns, a professional lapse that cost precious time. This negligence raises serious questions about the resort’s safety protocols and overall guest care.
Misleading Media Coverage
Since the news broke, Belizean media outlets have failed to respect the dignity of the deceased, rushing to spread unverified claims that drug overdose was the cause of death—despite the lack of toxicology results or an official autopsy report.
This reckless speculation not only disrespected the victims but also misled public opinion, shaping a biased narrative without factual basis. However, the widespread coverage unintentionally turned the tragedy into an international issue, increasing pressure for a thorough investigation and justice.
Three Women With Promising Futures
The victims were not just tourists—they were ambitious, hardworking women dedicated to making a difference:
1. kaoutar Neqad (23) : Was preparing to join the Boston Police Department and worked at a shelter assisting those in need, reflecting her strong sense of humanitarianism.
2. Imane Mallah (24 ) : A medical student, she was determined to pursue a career in healthcare and improve lives through her work.
3. Wafae Elarar (26) : A research technician at Massachusetts General Hospital, she focused on reproductive rights and worked to improve the healthcare system. She even co-authored a research paper on the subject.
Unanswered Questions and an Ongoing Mystery
The causes of the young women’s deaths remain unclear, and investigations are still ongoing to uncover the circumstances of the incident. As families and friends await clear answers, several pressing questions remain:
1. Why did the resort management delay in checking on the well-being of the guests?
2. Why didn’t the room service staff intervene after receiving no response on Friday?
3. Could the victims have been saved if quicker actions had been taken?
4. What are the initial findings of the investigation and medical reports?
5. Were there any lapses in safety measures at the resort, particularly concerning the detection of toxic gases?
6. Does the resort have gas leak detectors or sufficient ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?
7. What role does the Ministry of Environment play in monitoring environmental standards and conducting periodic inspections of hospitality establishments?
8. Have there been previous reports of environmental or health violations at the Royal Mahal Resort or similar establishments?
9. Are regular air quality tests conducted in hotel rooms and enclosed resort facilities?
10. What responsibility do Belizean authorities have in ensuring the enforcement of environmental and safety standards in the tourism sector?
11. Why did some media outlets rush to publish unverified theories before the autopsy results were released?
12. Are there surveillance cameras in the resort’s hallways that could reveal additional details about the victims’ final hours?
13. Has an independent investigation been launched to uncover any potential negligence by the resort’s management?
14. How will Belizean authorities handle the case to ensure justice is served?
15. What measures should be taken to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future?
Part One {Continued}