What should have been a time of celebration has turned into a devastating ordeal for the family of 20-year-old Paige Bell.
Just days before what would have been her 21st birthday, Paige—a promising South African yacht stewardess—was found murdered aboard a luxury yacht in the Bahamas.
Now, her grieving loved ones have traveled thousands of miles to begin the painful process of bringing her home and facing the man accused of taking her life.
Tragedy Strikes Aboard a Floating Palace
On July 3, Paige was discovered fatally wounded and partially unclothed in the engine room of the 150-foot superyacht Far From It, which had been anchored off the popular Bahamian getaway of Harbour Island.
The yacht, which rents for as much as $140,000 (over R2.5 million) a week, quickly became the scene of a horrific crime.
Charged with her murder is 39-year-old Brigido Munoz, a fellow crew member and Mexican national.
Authorities say the evidence suggests a brutal attack, with Paige suffering slash wounds to her neck and injuries to her arms—signs that she likely tried to fight back.
Shocking Court Details and a Family in Mourning
At Munoz’s court appearance in Nassau last Wednesday, Paige’s parents, Michelle and John Bell, were present to hear the disturbing details firsthand.
There is also concern that Paige may have been sexually assaulted, although Munoz currently faces only a murder charge.
Her sister, Chelsey Jacobs, shared a heart-wrenching message:
“Our family is facing an unimaginable journey.
We are seeking justice for the monster that took her life.”
Munoz was reportedly found at the scene with what appeared to be self-inflicted wounds, possibly from a suicide attempt.
He was hospitalized before being transferred into custody.
He’s been denied bail and is due back in court on November 20.
A Bright Light Remembered
In the days following her death, heartfelt tributes have poured in from Paige’s friends and fellow crew members in the international yachting community.
Described as professional, kind-hearted, and full of promise, Paige had big dreams of becoming a yacht crew manager.
“Paige was more than a team-mate, she was family,” wrote one former crewmate from the Sweet Emocean yacht.
Another, Stephanus Coetzer, recalled how she lit up every room and inspired those around her with her sunny outlook.
The Fight to Bring Paige Home
The Bell family has received a tremendous outpouring of support, with a GoFundMe campaign helping to cover the cost of funeral arrangements and Paige’s repatriation back to South Africa.
As of now, the fund has raised over R1 million, with hundreds of donors sharing condolences and memories.
The campaign has also become a space for people from around the world to come together and honour Paige’s life.
Ongoing Investigation and Unanswered Questions
While Munoz sits behind bars, Bahamian authorities continue to investigate the motive and full circumstances surrounding Paige’s death.
As loved ones and supporters seek justice, there are still many unanswered questions about how such a tragedy could have happened in what should have been a safe working environment.
What should have been a time of celebration has turned into a devastating ordeal for the family of 20-year-old Paige Bell.
Just days before what would have been her 21st birthday, Paige—a promising South African yacht stewardess—was found murdered aboard a luxury yacht in the Bahamas.
Now, her grieving loved ones have traveled thousands of miles to begin the painful process of bringing her home and facing the man accused of taking her life.
Tragedy Strikes Aboard a Floating Palace
On July 3, Paige was discovered fatally wounded and partially unclothed in the engine room of the 150-foot superyacht Far From It, which had been anchored off the popular Bahamian getaway of Harbour Island.
The yacht, which rents for as much as $140,000 (over R2.5 million) a week, quickly became the scene of a horrific crime.
Charged with her murder is 39-year-old Brigido Munoz, a fellow crew member and Mexican national.
Authorities say the evidence suggests a brutal attack, with Paige suffering slash wounds to her neck and injuries to her arms—signs that she likely tried to fight back.
Shocking Court Details and a Family in Mourning
At Munoz’s court appearance in Nassau last Wednesday, Paige’s parents, Michelle and John Bell, were present to hear the disturbing details firsthand.
There is also concern that Paige may have been sexually assaulted, although Munoz currently faces only a murder charge.
Her sister, Chelsey Jacobs, shared a heart-wrenching message:
“Our family is facing an unimaginable journey.
We are seeking justice for the monster that took her life.”
Munoz was reportedly found at the scene with what appeared to be self-inflicted wounds, possibly from a suicide attempt.
He was hospitalized before being transferred into custody.
He’s been denied bail and is due back in court on November 20.
A Bright Light Remembered
In the days following her death, heartfelt tributes have poured in from Paige’s friends and fellow crew members in the international yachting community.
Described as professional, kind-hearted, and full of promise, Paige had big dreams of becoming a yacht crew manager.
“Paige was more than a team-mate, she was family,” wrote one former crewmate from the Sweet Emocean yacht.
Another, Stephanus Coetzer, recalled how she lit up every room and inspired those around her with her sunny outlook.
The Fight to Bring Paige Home
The Bell family has received a tremendous outpouring of support, with a GoFundMe campaign helping to cover the cost of funeral arrangements and Paige’s repatriation back to South Africa.
As of now, the fund has raised over R1 million, with hundreds of donors sharing condolences and memories.
The campaign has also become a space for people from around the world to come together and honour Paige’s life.
Ongoing Investigation and Unanswered Questions
While Munoz sits behind bars, Bahamian authorities continue to investigate the motive and full circumstances surrounding Paige’s death.
As loved ones and supporters seek justice, there are still many unanswered questions about how such a tragedy could have happened in what should have been a safe working environment.