Tragedy in Paradise: Young Yacht Stewardess Murdered in Bahamas, Engineer Charged with Brutal Killing

A luxury escape turned deadly in one of the world’s most exclusive destinations. A 20-year-old South African stewardess, Paige Bell, was found murdered aboard a superyacht docked in the Bahamas — and the man accused of taking her life is a fellow crewmember.

According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF), Bell’s lifeless body was discovered in the engine room of the yacht on July 3, with visible injuries. The vessel was docked off Harbour Island, a tropical celebrity hotspot known for pink-sand beaches and mega-rich clientele.

Authorities said Bell was reported missing shortly before 1:00 p.m. Officers arrived on board to find her unresponsive, alongside a man — later identified as 39-year-old Brigido Muñoz, a Mexican national and the yacht’s engineer — suffering from severe self-inflicted injuries. Police suspect a suicide attempt.

Bell was pronounced dead on the scene by a local physician. Muñoz was treated, taken into custody, and formally charged with murder on July 9 at a Nassau Magistrate Court. He has been denied bail and is expected to return to court on November 20. Police have not disclosed a motive, and the investigation remains active.

“It is with broken hearts that we share the devastating news that our beautiful Paigey’s life was brutally taken from us. We will leave no stone unturned until the guilty is brought to justice.”

Her sister, Chelsey Bell, posted an emotional message on Facebook as her parents flew to the Bahamas to begin the devastating task of bringing their daughter home. Former crewmates from the motor yacht Sweet Emocean remembered Paige as “more than a teammate — she was family.”

A GoFundMe campaign organized by friends and colleagues has raised over $42,000, which will help cover travel, legal, and repatriation costs. Paige was set to celebrate her 21st birthday on July 14. In her honor, her mother has asked supporters to share photos enjoying red velvet cake — Paige’s favorite — in remembrance.

🔊 Editor's Take:

Even paradise has a dark side.
The shocking murder of Paige Bell aboard a luxury superyacht in the Bahamas exposes the haunting truth behind the illusion of wealth and escape. In places where peace is expected, violence still finds a way to shatter lives. Paige’s story is not just a tragedy — it’s a reminder of the hidden dangers that can exist even in the most exclusive corners of the world. As her family seeks justice and the investigation unfolds, MainEvent.News remains committed to telling the stories that matter — where headlines meet heartbreak.