The family of Paige Bell, the 20-year-old South African yacht stewardess murdered aboard a luxury superyacht, have traveled to the Bahamas to begin the painful process of repatriating her body and confronting the man accused of taking her life.
Bell was found partially undressed and fatally wounded in the engine room of the 150-foot yacht Far From It on 3 July – just days before her 21st birthday.
Brigido Munoz, a 39-year-old Mexican national and fellow crew member, has been formally charged with her murder.
Harrowing details
During his court appearance in Nassau last Wednesday, harrowing details of the alleged attack were revealed.
Bell reportedly suffered slash wounds to her neck and defensive injuries to her arms, indicating a struggle.
Authorities suspect she may have been sexually assaulted, though Munoz currently faces only a murder charge.
Bell’s parents, Michelle and John Bell, were present on the island for the court proceedings.
“Our family is facing an unimaginable journey,” said her sister, Chelsey Jacobs, in a statement.
“We are seeking justice for the monster that took her life.”
Police found Munoz at the scene with self-inflicted injuries to his arms, believed to be from a suicide attempt.
He was treated in hospital before being transferred into custody, where he has been denied bail.
His next court hearing is scheduled for 20 November.
Remembered by colleagues
The incident occurred aboard Far From It, a superyacht that charges up to $140 000 (over R2.5 million) per week for private charters.
The vessel was anchored off Harbour Island, a popular Bahamian destination.
Bell was remembered by colleagues and friends as a rising star in the competitive yachting industry. Known for her professionalism and warm demeanor, she was affectionately referred to as a “golden girl.”
“Paige was more than a team-mate, she was family,” wrote a former crewmate from the yacht Sweet Emocean.
“She dreamed of becoming a yacht crew manager and inspired everyone around her with her positivity,” added fellow crew member Stephanus Coetzer.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist the Bell family with funeral costs and the repatriation of Paige’s remains to South Africa.
At the time of publishing just over R1 million had been donated.
The fund has also become a platform for supporters to share tributes and express their condolences.
Authorities in the Bahamas say the investigation remains ongoing, as questions linger about the motive and circumstances surrounding Bell’s tragic death.
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