Court Dismissed Defendants in Resort Death Lawsuit
A federal court has cleared two parties from a wrongful death suit involving three deaths at a Belizean resort.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Central America
The US District Court in Massachusetts dismissed Strukture Architects Limited and Anna Maria Espat from a wrongful death lawsuit on October 2, 2026. The case remains active against other defendants, including the Royal Kahal Beach Resort and Expedia.
Why it matters
The dismissal follows arguments that the two parties were never involved in the development or management of the resort where the tragedy occurred. The lawsuit centers on a 2025 incident in San Pedro where three women died due to carbon monoxide exposure.
The lawsuit involves US$100 million in damages following the deaths of three women, aged 23, 24, and 26, in February 2025. Investigations found that a faulty water heater in a hotel room lacking a carbon monoxide detector caused the poisoning.
The players
Strukture Architects Limited
This firm was named as a defendant in the lawsuit but has been dismissed from the case.
Anna Maria Espat
An individual who was named as a defendant but was later dismissed from the wrongful death proceedings.
Royal Kahal Beach Resort
The hotel located in San Pedro where the fatal carbon monoxide poisoning incident occurred in 2025.
Expedia
A major travel booking platform that remains a named defendant in the ongoing litigation.
The details
The court confirmed the dismissal without prejudice after determining the architectural firm and individual were not hired for the project and were never present at the resort. The wrongful death suit, initiated in February 2026, continues to move forward against the hotel and other entities.
Timeline
February 22, 2025: Three women died from carbon monoxide poisoning at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort.
February 2026: The wrongful death lawsuit was officially filed in a United States court.
October 2, 2026: The US District Court in Massachusetts confirmed the dismissal of the defendants.
Travel Outlook
This case underscores the increasing international legal scrutiny regarding safety protocols in foreign hospitality settings. It follows the precedent set by the 2013 Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act, highlighting how travelers are seeking domestic-level protections abroad.
Travelers should check for local safety certifications when booking international accommodations, particularly regarding fire and gas detection systems. This case serves as a stark reminder to verify that hotel rooms are equipped with working carbon monoxide detectors.
The takeaway
Travelers must remain vigilant about safety amenities when booking international lodging. Checking hotel reviews for recent maintenance reports or safety disclosures can provide critical insights before arrival.
Further reading
For more information on legal issues affecting travelers in the region, visit Central America.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The San Pedro Sun.
