What should have been the most joyful week of Paige Bell’s young life ended in devastating tragedy aboard a luxury yacht docked in the Bahamas.
Just days before her 21st birthday, Paige — a vibrant South African stewardess celebrated for her infectious laughter and boundless compassion — was found dead in the engine room of the 43-meter superyacht Far From It.
Her body was partially undressed and bore “visible signs of injuries,” according to police. A man found with her at the scene has since been identified as a suspect.
A Shocking Discovery
Officers from the Royal Bahamas Police Force responded to an emergency call around 1:00 p.m. on July 3. When they boarded the yacht at the marina, they discovered Paige unresponsive with traumatic injuries. Despite efforts to revive her, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The man discovered with her — 40-year-old Brigido Munoz of Mexico — was arrested shortly after and has now been formally charged in connection with her death.
Authorities stated that Paige had been reported “missing for a short period” before the grisly discovery. Early reports suggest she suffered “gashes to her neck” as well as “defensive wounds on her arms,” pointing to a violent struggle.
A Life Full of Promise
Friends and colleagues remember Paige as a “golden girl” whose warmth lit up every room she entered. Her sudden, violent death has left a gaping void in the yachting community and among loved ones back home in South Africa.
As investigations continue, tributes have begun pouring in — painting a heartbreaking portrait of a young woman taken far too soon, in what was meant to be a week of celebration.
Suspect Hospitalized, Then Charged
When police found 40-year-old Brigido Munoz alongside Paige’s body, he had injuries on his arms believed to be the result of a suicide attempt. Authorities transported him to a nearby hospital for treatment before taking him into custody.
Munoz appeared in court in Nassau on July 9, where he was formally charged with murder. Bail was denied, and he has been remanded in custody until his next hearing, scheduled for November.
A Family’s Search for Justice
In a heartbreaking turn, Paige Bell’s grieving family traveled to the Bahamas to be present for the proceedings — a courageous step in their quest for answers and justice.
Investigators suspect that Paige may have been sexually assaulted before her death, as her body was found partially undressed. However, as of now, Munoz has been charged only with murder, according to The New York Post.
As the case unfolds, the tragedy has sent shockwaves through the international yachting community and beyond, leaving many demanding accountability — and mourning a life taken far too soon.
Shockwaves Through the Yachting Community
The tragic killing has sent shockwaves throughout the yachting world — and especially on Harbour Island, famously known as the “billionaire’s playground,” where the Far From It was docked.
The 43-meter superyacht, which rents for nearly $140,000 per week, boasts nine crew members and accommodates up to 10 guests. Paige had recently joined its crew after working aboard the Motor Yacht Sweet Emocean until late 2024.
Her former colleagues are left devastated. One crew member described Paige as “family,” writing, “Her radiant spirit, infectious laughter, and boundless compassion made an unforgettable impact on everyone lucky enough to know her.”
A Family’s Heartfelt Tribute
On July 4, Paige’s heartbroken family shared a gut-wrenching tribute, honoring her memory and the bright light she was to all who knew her.
A Family’s Heartbreaking Farewell
“It is with broken hearts that we share the devastating news that our beautiful Paigey’s life was brutally taken from us last night.
As a family, we are doing our best to process this unimaginable loss… We will leave no stone unturned until the guilty is brought to justice.”
Seeking Justice Amid Unanswered Questions
The exact circumstances surrounding Paige’s death remain unclear as police continue their investigation.
In her memory, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched and has already raised over $50,000 — a testament to the outpouring of support from around the world.
Paige Bell was just days away from turning 21 on July 14. Instead, her name now headlines a heartbreaking tragedy — one that has left her loved ones desperately searching for answers, justice, and some measure of peace amid their grief.