The Tragedy in Belize
The families of three young women from Massachusetts who died while vacationing in Belize have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against a beachfront resort and the online travel booking platform Expedia. The women were found unresponsive inside their hotel room in February 2025, and investigators later determined they died from carbon monoxide poisoning while staying at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro.
Victims Identified
The victims were Wafae El Arar, 26, Imane Mallah, 24, and Kaoutar Naqqad, 23. The three were close friends who traveled together and had checked into the resort just days before their deaths. Authorities say they were discovered in their room after staff members became concerned when they failed to check out or respond to contact attempts.
Cause of Death and Safety Failures
Investigators concluded that the women died from acute carbon monoxide exposure, caused by a malfunctioning gas powered water heater located near or inside their room. The lawsuit alleges the unit was improperly installed, inadequately ventilated, and dangerously close to sleeping areas. It also claims the room lacked a functioning carbon monoxide detector, despite representations that safety systems were in place throughout the property.
Allegations Against the Resort
According to the complaint, the resort ignored earlier warning signs, including guest complaints about illness and symptoms consistent with carbon monoxide exposure. The families allege the property’s owners and operators prioritized cost cutting over safety, using unqualified labor and defective equipment during construction and maintenance. The lawsuit argues these decisions created a foreseeable and deadly risk for guests.
Claims Against Expedia
The families are also suing Expedia, alleging the company played a role in promoting the resort without adequate warnings. The complaint states the women booked their stay through Expedia after being targeted with advertisements and that the platform failed to alert users to safety concerns reflected in prior guest reviews. The lawsuit argues Expedia had a duty to warn consumers about known or discoverable risks tied to the property it marketed.
Legal Action and Damages Sought
Filed in federal court in Massachusetts, the lawsuit seeks $100 million in damages and includes claims of wrongful death, negligence, conscious pain and suffering, and product liability. The families are requesting a jury trial and say the case is about accountability and preventing similar tragedies from happening to other travelers.
Broader Implications
The case highlights growing concerns about safety oversight at international resorts and the responsibilities of online travel platforms that profit from global tourism. As the lawsuit moves forward, it is expected to test how far corporate liability extends when travelers are harmed abroad due to preventable hazards.
