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The family of Paige Bell, a 20-year-old South African stewardess found dead aboard a luxury superyacht in the Bahamas, has spoken out following the arrest and court appearance of a man charged with her murder.
Bell, described by former colleagues as a “radiant spirit,” was reported missing on July 3. Police boarded the vessel docked near Harbour Island in the upscale Bahamas marina—often called a “billionaire’s playground”—and discovered her unresponsive with visible injuries in the yacht’s engine room. A man onboard, Mexican national Brigido Monoz, 39, was found suffering severe arm injuries and was immediately hospitalized. He has since been charged with Bell’s murder.
The accused appeared in a Bahamas Magistrate Court on July 9 and was denied bail, with his next court date set for November 20. Police are investigating the case as a homicide and suspected attempted suicide.
Bell’s parents, Michelle and John Bell, traveled to the Bahamas to begin the difficult process of bringing their daughter’s body home. Her sister, Chelsey Jacobs, expressed the family’s grief and determination to seek justice, calling Monoz “the monster that took [Paige’s] life.”
The Bell family announced Paige’s death publicly on July 4, saying, “It is with broken hearts that we share the devastating news that our beautiful Paigey’s life was brutally taken from us last night… We will leave no stone unturned until the guilty is brought to justice.”
Paige Bell was due to turn 21 on July 14. She had worked on the luxury Motor Yacht Sweet Emocean until December 2024 before joining the crew of the 43-meter yacht Far From It, which offers high-end charters costing upwards of £103,000 ($140,000) per week. The vessel accommodates up to 10 guests in five suites and features amenities such as a sundeck spa pool and panoramic views.
Her former crew members established a GoFundMe in her honor, remembering her warmth and kindness. Captain Frank Prest said, “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.”
In a touching tribute, Paige’s mother Michelle requested that friends and family celebrate her daughter’s upcoming 21st birthday by eating red velvet cake, Paige’s favorite, and sharing photos to honor her memory.
The investigation into Paige Bell’s tragic death continues as her family and loved ones mourn the loss of a bright young life taken too soon.
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