The grieving family of a South African stewardess found dead onboard a superyacht docked in the Bahamas has spoken out after a man charged with her murder appeared in court.
Paige Bell, described as a ‘radiant spirit’ by former colleagues, was first noticed to be missing on July 3.
Police from the Island of Eleuthera boarded the luxury ship she was working on at 1pm and found the Johannesburg native 'unresponsive with visible signs of injuries’.
In a statement issued via Facebook, the Royal Bahamas Police Force said they discovered the victim in the vessel’s engine room with a man who was ‘suffering from severe injuries to his arms’.
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The boat was docked in a marina off Harbour Island, which has often been dubbed a ‘billionaire’s playground’ due to its luxury accommodations and A-list clientele.
Mexican national Brigido Monoz, 39, was immediately taken to a nearby medical facility to be treated for his injuries and has since been charged with the stewardess’ murder.
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Our News has reported that the suspect appeared in a Bahamas-based Magistrates Court on July 9 and that he was denied bail.
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He is set to return to court on November 20, according to Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley.
Police have said they are treating the case as a ‘homicide and a suspected suicide attempt’.
Michelle and John Bell, the parents of the victim, were on the island to ‘begin the painful process of bringing their baby girl home’, the Daily Mail reported.
In a statement, Bell’s sister, Chelsey Jacobs, said: “Our family is facing an unimaginable journey.”
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She added that relatives are currently ‘seeking justice for the monster that took [the victim’s] life’.
Bell’s family initially confirmed her death via Facebook on July 4, writing: "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.”
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Bell - who was due to celebrate her 21st birthday on July 14 - worked on board the Motor Yacht Sweet Emocean as a crew member until December 2024.
After exiting the charter, she took up a position on the Far From It.
The Far From It was built in 2008 and ran luxury charters from £103,400 ($140,000) per week.
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The 43-metre vessel can accommodate up to 10 guests in five suites, and features amenities like a sundeck spa pool and bar, a full entertainment system, and panoramic views, as per its website.
Former colleagues of Bell who worked with her on the Sweet Emocean have set up a GoFundMe page in her honour.
“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,” wrote Captain Frank Prest on behalf of the crew.
“Whether it was long days at sea or quiet moments under the stars, she brought light and warmth wherever she went.”
Prest has also included a request from Bell’s mother, Michelle. She wants friends and family to continue celebrating her daughter’s milestone birthday despite her death.
“She would have celebrated her 21st birthday on July 14th,” the fundraising page read. "In honour of Paige, her mother has asked that we all eat red velvet cake (her favorite) on that day and share a photo in remembrance of the beautiful soul she was.”
You can donate to the GoFundMe page set up for Paige Bell’s family here.
Topics: Crime, World News, Parenting
Ella Scott