Paige Bell, a young South African woman working aboard a luxury superyacht, was found murdered just days before her 21st birthday, in a chilling crime that has shocked the global yachting community.
Bell, 20, was discovered dead in the engine room of the 150-foot charter yacht Far From It, docked off the exclusive Harbour Island in the Bahamas.
Described by friends as a “golden girl,” Bell was allegedly sexually assaulted and murdered by Brigido Munoz, a 39-year-old Mexican engineer who also worked aboard the vessel.
Bahamas police confirmed that Munoz was found in the same room, bleeding heavily and holding a knife, in what authorities suspect was a suicide attempt.
He has since been arrested and charged with her murder.
Bell was reportedly just days away from returning to South Africa to celebrate her 21st birthday on 14 July.
Tribute from former school
Bell’s former school, Hillcrest High School, in KwaZulu-Natal, paid tribute to her on social media.
“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.
“Paige matriculated in 2022 and is remembered by our HHS community as an incredibly special young lady who was the happiest, most bubbly person.
“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.
“As a school we will be holding them in our thoughts and prayers and would like to ask for the support of the greater HHS community in bringing Paige home to her family.
“Please share and donate to the GoFundMe account that was set up, in her honour, to assist her family during this incredibly difficult time.”
At the time of publishing, the GoFundMe page had raised $50 377 (R900 000).
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