Tragic death of South African yacht worker Paige Bell in Bahamas
South African Paige Bell was murdered on a luxury yacht in the Bahamas. Image: Crew and Concierge via Facebook
A devastating tragedy has rocked both South Africa and the international yachting community after 20-year-old Paige Bell, a South African crew member aboard a luxury yacht, was found murdered in the Bahamas just days before her 21st birthday.
Bell, a former student of Hillcrest High School near Durban, was discovered in the engine room of the Far From It superyacht on July 3. Her throat had been slashed, and she bore clear signs of a violent struggle, including defensive wounds on her arms. Her body was found partially undressed.
Suspect Arrested: Fellow Crew Member Charged with Murder
Bahamas police have arrested 39-year-old Mexican national Brigido Munoz, a fellow crew member, in connection with Bell’s murder. Munoz was found near Bell’s body with self-inflicted injuries believed to be from a failed suicide attempt. He appeared briefly in a Bahamas court this week and was denied bail. He will remain in custody until his next hearing on November 20.
A Life Cut Short
Bell was described by friends, family, and colleagues as a radiant and compassionate individual. After graduating in 2022, she pursued her dream of working on luxury yachts, joining the crew of the Sweet Emocean before moving to the Far From It.
Her former teammates on Sweet Emocean have launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Bell’s family, who now face the immense burden of international legal proceedings and repatriating her body. The campaign has already raised over $44,631 USD from more than 500 donors.
“Paige was more than a teammate; she was family. Her radiant spirit, infectious laughter, and boundless compassion made an unforgettable impact on everyone lucky enough to know her,” the team shared.
Her sister, Chelsey Jacobs, confirmed in an emotional post that their parents, Michelle and John Bell, had flown to the Bahamas to begin the painful journey of bringing their daughter home and seeking justice for her brutal murder.
Tributes from Across the World
Hillcrest High School paid tribute to Paige, describing her as “the happiest, most bubbly person,” and vowing to remember her as “an incredibly special young lady.”
The story has gained international attention and sparked renewed outrage about the safety of young women working abroad. In South Africa, where seven women are murdered every day according to the National Femicide Study, the tragedy has struck a particularly painful chord.
A Call for Justice and Support
The Bell family is not only mourning the loss of their daughter but also navigating complex legal procedures in a foreign country. As they fight for justice, the global yachting community and South African public have rallied behind them.