Durban parents bring home their slain 'baby girl' Paige Bell from the Bahamas

HEARTBROKEN  Durban parents Michelle and John Bell are preparing to bring home the body of their “baby girl” who was murdered in the Bahamas last week.  

Paige Bell was living the dream; working as a stewardess on a superyacht, surrounded by idyllic beaches and billionaires. Tragically, it ended in a nightmare. 

Last Thursday the former schoolgirl from Hillcrest High School in Durban was found dead in the engine room of the yacht where she was stationed, just days before her 21st birthday. 

Her throat was slit and there were signs that she had struggled with her attacker. According to reports it appeared as if Bell may also have been sexually assaulted. Police are currently investigating a homicide and a suicide attempt.

Speaking to the Independent on Saturday via Facebook, her dad John said they would be back home next week. 

“We are in the Bahamas arranging a cremation and to bring Paige home. I don’t want to comment any further at this stage. We are still trying to process what has happened and grieve our baby girl.”

According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Bell was on board the superyacht, Far From It, in the waters off Harbour Island, Eleuthera, when she was killed.

 A 39-year old Mexican engineer Brigido Munoz was arrested and appeared in the magistrate's court on Wednesday.

In their initial media release police said that shortly after 1pm on July 3, they were alerted to the incident and proceeded to the marina area.  

“Once on board the vessel, officers discovered a woman unresponsive with visible signs of injuries and a man suffering from severe injuries to his arms. The local doctor visited the scene, examined the victim and pronounced her deceased.” 

Police say it also emerged that Bell had been missing for a “short period” before she was found “unresponsive” in the engine room with the suspect who was “apprehended", and “cautioned”. Following that he was  taken to a nearby clinic for medical treatment.

In a telephone conversation with the Independent on Saturday yesterday, Superintendent Leonard Ramsey, the deputy in charge of public relations for the Royal Bahamas Police Force said that while he couldn’t reveal how many people were arrested, he could confirm that one person was charged. 

He said that the police have also met with the Bell family. 

“It is the normal practice that if the family came into the Bahamas, they would have met with detectives at our criminal investigation department. That is a normal procedure for all homicide matters. We always meet with the family or both families. So if they came from Africa, or wherever they came from, automatically we would have given out a family meeting and to update them on the incident.”

News of Bell's death sent waves of grief through South Africa and yachting communities alike.  Hillcrest High School (HHS) paid tribute to their former pupil on the school’s Facebook page.

 “Paige matriculated in 2022 and is remembered by our 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.” 

The school also called on the community to help bring Bell home by donating money to the GoFundMe account that was set up to assist her family financially.

In a previous public message the family also appealed for assistance, saying that they  were devastated beyond words.

 “This heartbreaking loss has been deeply felt by everyone who knew and loved Paigey, and now we must also navigate complex and costly legal proceedings in a foreign country - something far beyond our family’s financial means. We are humbly asking for your support.

"Whether it’s by sharing this message or contributing financially, every bit helps.

“Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we fight for Paigey. We are grateful for your love, support, and solidarity during this incredibly difficult time."

Bell’s murder has also highlighted the dark side of the yachting crew industry and members of various crew social media groups have advocated for more stringent background checks on crew members to prevent such violence. 

Captain Frank Prest from the motor yacht Sweet Emocean set up the GoFundMe account. Speaking on behalf of previous and current crew, he said that even though Bell had left their crew in December she would always be part of its 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.”

So far the GoFundMe account has almost reached its target of $60 000 (R1m) and had just surpassed $50 000 yesterday.  

On Monday friends and family from across the globe will have a slice of red velvet cake (Paige's favourite) to commemorate her life. But this won't be a joyful celebration, instead it’s a heartbreaking farewell to a young woman on the cusp of a promising life.