What should have been the happiest week of Paige Bell’s young life ended in tragedy aboard a luxury yacht in the Bahamas.
Just days shy of her 21st birthday, Paige — a vibrant South African stewardess known for her “infectious laughter” and “boundless compassion” — was found dead in the engine room of a docked vessel named Far From It.
Her body, partially undressed and bearing “visible signs of injuries,” was discovered with a man police have now identified as a suspect.
Pronounced dead at the scene
According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, officers were called to the marina on July 3 around 1:00 p.m. local time. Once on board the 43-meter yacht, they found Paige “unresponsive with visible signs of injuries” and immediately called for a doctor. The young woman — described as a “golden girl” by those who knew her — was sadly pronounced her dead at the scene.
The man found with her — 40-year-old Brigido Munoz from Mexico — has been arrested and charged in connection with her death. Police confirmed that Paige had been “missing for a short period” before being discovered, and reports allege she had “gashes to her neck” along with “defensive injuries to her arms.”
When police discovered Brigido Munoz, he had injuries on his arms that they believe were from a suicide attempt. He was taken to the hospital for treatment before facing formal charges.
Munoz appeared in court on July 9 in Nassau, where he was denied bail and remanded into custody until his next hearing in November. The heartbroken family of Paige also arrived in the Caribbean to confront the man.
Authorities suspect that Paige Bell may have been sexually assaulted before her death, as her body was found partially undressed.
However, according to the New York Post, the accused, Brigido Munoz, has so far only been formally charged with murder.
Rocked the yachting community
The killing has rocked the yachting community and beyond, especially on Harbour Island — known as the “billionaire’s playground” — where the yacht was docked.
The Far From It, which rents for nearly $140,000 a week, boasts nine crew members and can host up to 10 guests. Paige joined the crew after previously working aboard Motor Yacht Sweet Emocean until late 2024.
Her former colleagues have been left reeling. One remembered her as “family,” writing, “Her radiant spirit, infectious laughter, and boundless compassion made an unforgettable impact on everyone lucky enough to know her.”
Her heartbroken family posted a gut-wrenching tribute on July 4:
“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.“
The exact circumstances surrounding Paige’s death are still unknown, as police continue their investigation.
A GoFundMe campaign launched in her memory has raised over $50,000 and continues to climb as support pours in from across the globe.