What was meant to be a milestone celebration turned into a devastating nightmare for the family and friends of Paige Bell, a 20-year-old South African woman working aboard a luxury yacht in the Bahamas.
Just days before her 21st birthday, Paige was found murdered aboard the vessel—an incident that has rocked not only her loved ones back home but also the tight-knit global yachting community.
A Horrific Discovery on a Luxury Yacht
Paige was working on a 150-foot charter yacht named Far From It, which was docked near the exclusive Harbour Island in the Bahamas.
According to local authorities, she was found dead in the engine room of the yacht—a chilling scene that investigators have described as deeply disturbing.
The suspect? A 39-year-old Mexican engineer named Brigido Munoz, who also worked on the same vessel.
Police allege that Munoz sexually assaulted and murdered Paige before attempting to take his own life.
The Suspect Was Found at the Scene
Bahamas police confirmed that Munoz was discovered in the same engine room, bleeding from multiple wounds and holding a knife.
Authorities believe he tried to die by suicide following the attack.
He survived and has since been arrested and charged with Paige’s murder.
A Bright Life Cut Short
Friends and former classmates have described Paige as a “golden girl”—full of light, energy, and kindness.
She had only recently graduated from high school and had been working abroad to explore the world before returning home to South Africa to celebrate her 21st birthday on July 14.
Heartfelt Tributes from Her School Community
Hillcrest High School in KwaZulu-Natal, where Paige graduated in 2022, shared a touching tribute on social media, calling her “an incredibly special young lady” remembered for her bubbly personality and infectious smile.
“It is with great sadness that we offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends, and all who knew and loved former Hillcrest High School pupil, Paige Bell,” the school wrote.
“We know that her untimely and tragic death is a great loss to all who knew Paige, and beyond devastating to her parents and family.”
Rallying Around the Family with Support
In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe page was launched to help Paige’s family during this heartbreaking time.
The campaign quickly gained traction, raising over $50,000 (about R900,000) at the time of reporting.
The funds will go toward helping bring Paige home to South Africa and supporting her grieving loved ones.
The school also encouraged its community to keep the Bell family in their thoughts and prayers, urging anyone who can to donate or share the fundraiser.
How to Send Condolences
Those who wish to express their sympathy can leave a message of condolence online or send a WhatsApp message to 060 011 021 1.
Paige’s story has touched many, and support continues to pour in from across the globe.
A Young Life Remembered
This shocking tragedy has left many reeling, not just in South Africa but around the world.
As the investigation continues and legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on remembering Paige Bell—a young woman full of promise, joy, and spirit—whose life was stolen far too soon.
