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In their first public comments, the families of Wafae El Arar, Imane Mallah, and Kaoutar Naqqad thanked the community for its outpouring of support after the women were found dead on Feb. 22. The lifelong friends from Revere had traveled to Central America to celebrate Wafae’s 26th birthday.
In the weeks since their death, authorities have been unable to give any concrete answers as to what caused their deaths or how they died.
Their families are urging officials in Massachusetts and Belize to work together to thoroughly investigate their daughters' deaths to provide those answers and, they hope, some closure.
“The circumstances surrounding this tragedy remain unclear and suspicious, and we are seeking answers to understand what happened in Belize,” the families' joint statement said. “Our families are grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received during this heartbreaking time. We ask for continued prayers, patience, and privacy as we navigate this profound sorrow. May their beautiful souls rest in eternal peace. We will forever love and miss you, Kaoutar, Imane, and Wafae.”
Authorities in Belize said all three women died of acute pulmonary edema, a condition caused by fluid build-up in the lungs, CBS Boston reported. However, what caused the fluid build-up remains a mystery.
Early reports speculated that they died from an overdose after alcohol and THC-infused gummies were reportedly found in their hotel room at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort. But their friends have disputed this, saying the women didn't participate in such activities.
The women's bodies were transferred to the Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, which will perform autopsies to determine their cause of death, according to Boston.com.
Police in Belize said there were no signs of foul play, and surveillance video from the San Pedro Town hotel showed no one entering or leaving their room the night before they were found.
News of the women's deaths garnered international attention, and their families in their statement wanted the world to know how special they were.
Imane was compassionate and inspired her friends with her drive. She had a quick wit and contagious laugh that filled her home with joy, the statement said.
"Imane was a radiant spirit and a beacon of kindness," they wrote. "She embraced life wholeheartedly, cherishing every soul who shared the journey with her. With her infectious smile, sparkling wit, and unwavering optimism, Imane illuminated every space she graced."
Kaoutar came from a large family and was "the light" of their lives, they wrote. She worked at a group home for troubled youth while attending college and hoped to become a police officer one day.
"As the youngest of four siblings, she held a special place in our family, bringing joy, laughter, and love into our home every day. She was compassionate, caring, and deeply devoted to those she loved. Her heart was full of generosity, always putting others before herself and offering a listening ear, a comforting word, and unwavering support."
Wafae worked as a research technician at Massachusetts General Hospital and was a passionate advocate for women's reproductive rights, they wrote. Though she had big dreams, she cherished the small moments she spent with her family.
"Her name, meaning faithfulness and loyalty, was a true reflection of who she was — honest, kind, and deeply devoted to the people she loved," the statement said. "... Just days before her passing, Wafae visited her older sister in North Carolina, spending time with her beloved niece and nephew. They will always remember her reading ‘Beauty and the Beast’ in their playhouse, singing silly songs, and playing together at the park. She was their fun, loving aunt — the one who made every moment special."
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