Kaoutar Naqqad.Photo:Courtesy of Family
Courtesy of Family
The families of the three women who were found dead in a hotel in Belize in late February are mourning their deaths.
Police confirmed their identities on Monday, Feb. 24, per theAssociated Press. While the cause of their deaths has yet to be confirmed, police are investigating the deaths as possible drug overdoses, AP reported.
In a joint statement shared with PEOPLE, their families urged authorities in Belize and the U.S. to conduct a “thorough and transparent investigation” into the circumstances surrounding their death that remain “unclear and suspicious.”
“We ask for continued prayers, patience, and privacy as we navigate this profound sorrow,” the statement further adds.
Kaoutar Naqqad (right) and her sisters.Courtesy of Family
Naqqad was the youngest daughter of four siblings who held a “special” place in her family’s heart due to her “joy, laughter and love.““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,” her family said.Naqqad was a college student who worked as part of the residential support staff at a group home for troubled youth and aspired to join the police force. She had plans to visit Morocco with her parents in the summer.
Like Naqqad, Mallah is remembered for being a “radiant spirit” and “beacon of kindness” who “embraced life wholeheartedly, cherishing every soul that shared the journey with her.““With her infectious smile, sparkling wit, and an unwaveringly optimistic heart, Imane illuminated every space she graced. Her friends often remarked that her presence was like a warm, comforting light, guiding them through even the darkest of times,” the statement adds.She is remembered as someone who had a “unique ability to listen deeply, making everyone feel heard and valued,” and who “poured her heart into everything she did.”
Imane Mallah.Courtesy of Family
El-Arar, who had just turned 26 at the time of her death, is remembered for being “full of life, dreams and unwavering faith.”
She was passionate about women’s health and, as aresearch technician at Massachusetts General Hospital, “dedicated herself to reproductive rights and was committed to making a difference in an area often overlooked in healthcare.”
Wafae El-Arar.Courtesy of Family
Before her death, she had co-authored a journal article she had been working on for months, “hoping that her contributions would help women around the world,” the statement adds.
She had a close connection to her niece and nephew, who remember her as “their fun-loving aunt,” and with her younger sister, whom she connected with through her “personal journey of faith.”
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.“To all who knew her, she was caring, funny, humble, and incredibly giving. She was a light in our lives, taken too soon. She will be deeply missed,” the statement adds.
source: people.com
