The identity of an engineer who is accused of killing a stewardess on a yacht has been revealed.
Paige Bell, from Johannesburg, South Africa, was discovered partially undressed in the engine room of the £9.5 million ($13 million) charter yacht Far From It on July 3, with her throat reportedly slashed and defensive wounds on her arms suggesting she tried to fight back against her attacker, per the Sun.
A party had been planned for July 14 to celebrate her milestone birthday, but instead, her family is now facing what they call an “unimaginable journey” to bring their daughter home and seek justice.
“Our family is facing an unimaginable journey,” Paige’s devastated relatives shared in a statement.
“This evening mom and dad are flying to the Bahamas to begin the painful process of not only bringing their baby girl home but also seeking justice for the monster that took her life. We are devastated beyond words and now we must also navigate complex and costly legal proceedings in a foreign country – something far beyond our financial means.
“This heartbreaking loss has been deeply felt by everyone who knew and loved 'Paigey' – her former captain, the boat owner, all the crew on board and our entire community.
"We are humbly asking for your support whether by sharing this message or contributing financially, every bit helps. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers. We are grateful for your love, support, and solidarity during this incredibly difficult time.”
The 39-year-old engineer, Brigido Munoz, a Mexican national working alongside Paige below deck, has been charged with her murder after being found beside her body, covered in blood with a knife in his hand and with both his wrists slashed in what police believe was a suspected suicide attempt, per the Daily Mail.
A Bahamas police spokesman confirmed: “We are investigating a murder and a suspected suicide attempt after a woman from South Africa was found dead on a yacht at Harbour Island.
"According to a preliminary report shortly after 1:00PM on July 3, the police were alerted to an incident on a yacht and proceeded to the marina area and went aboard Far From It.
“Once on board the vessel officers discovered a female unresponsive with visible signs of injuries and a Mexican national close by suffering from severe injuries to his arms. The local doctor who had been called to the scene pronounced the victim deceased.
“As police investigated further it was discovered that the victim was missing for a short period before being found unresponsive in the engine room with the male suspect.
"We can confirm that a 39-year-old Mexican national will be arraigned before magistrates today charged with murder which stem from the death of a 20-year-old South African. She was found on board a vessel at Harbour Island, Eleuthera, on Thursday, July 3.”
Munoz, who appeared before magistrates in Nassau, the Bahamian capital, charged with murder, was not required to enter a plea. Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley denied him bail and remanded him in custody ahead of a November 20 hearing.
Built in 2008, Far From It is a 43-metre charter yacht that charges wealthy clients between £100,000 ($136,000) and £120,000 ($163,000) per week for vacations and is staffed by nine permanent crew members, according to its website.
Harbour Island, often referred to as the “Billionaires' Backyard,” is a three-mile by 1.5-mile paradise frequented by celebrities including Mick Jagger, Prince Harry, Tom Cruise, the Kardashians, Harrison Ford, and Tom Hanks, and is home to over 20 billionaires.
Paige had previously worked aboard the Motor Yacht Sweet Emocean until December 2024 before joining Far From It as a guest relations officer.
Her former colleagues paid tribute in a post shared on a GoFundMe page set up to help “ease the financial burden” faced by her family, writing: “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.”