Justice for Paige Bell: Family seeks answers after tragic superyacht murder
Paige Bell, the 20-year-old South African woman who was murdered aboard a luxury superyacht where she worked as a stewardess, would have turned 21 on Monday. Her family has now gone to the Bahamas to seek justice for their daughter.
On July 3, Bell was discovered half-nude and severely injured in the engine room of the Far From It (FFI) yacht in the Bahamas.
In a joint statement from the family and the yacht, Bell was described as having been full of life and hope: “On behalf of the Bell family and the FFI team, we are at a loss for words to fully express our gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love and support shown on July 14th. Paige was a beautiful, bold, and fiery spirit – a true firecracker.
“Your tribute, unity, and love honoured Paige in a way that she would have absolutely adored. There is no doubt she would have been ecstatic to know that her yachting family around the world celebrated with her.”
Brigido Munoz, a 39-year-old Mexican man who was a fellow crew member and worked as an engineer, is accused of her murder. He appeared before a court in the Bahamian capital, Nassau, on Wednesday. He did not have to enter a plea, and his bail application was rejected.
The suspected murderer is scheduled to appear in court again on November 20. In court, shocking facts about the alleged attack emerged.
Bell allegedly sustained stab wounds to her neck and defensive cuts to her arms, suggesting that she fought for life. Authorities also believe she was sexually assaulted; however, Munoz is presently charged only with her murder.
The yacht is currently docked in Fort Lauderdale, in the United States (USA), according to Marine Traffic.
In a mutual aid fundraiser created by her former colleagues on the Motor Yacht Sweet Emocean, she was described as having a verve for life. So far, more than R1,081,386 has been raised for the family.
“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. Whether it was long days at sea or quiet moments under the stars, she brought light and warmth wherever she went,” they described her.
Hillcrest High School in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, also gave condolences to her family.
“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.”
IOL News