Featured Image Credit: GoFundMe
Topics: World News, Crime
Emily Brown
Police in the Bahamas have confirmed the death of 20-year-old South African woman Paige Bell after she was found in the engine room of a luxury yacht.
As details continue to emerge, here's everything we know so far.
News of Paige's death first came to light on July 3, just a short while after the 20-year-old was noticed to be missing.
Shortly after 1pm on July 3, officers from Island of Eleuthera found Paige inside the yacht which was docked at Harbour Island, which has also been dubbed a 'billionaire's playground' due to its luxury accommodations and high-end clientele.
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In a statement on Facebook, the Royal Bahamas Police Force described her as 'unresponsive with visible signs of injuries' and added that a male was found with Paige who was 'suffering from severe injuries to his arms'.
They added that the case is being investigated as a 'homicide and a suspected suicide attempt'.
Paige was in the Bahamas from the South African city of Johannesburg, and was just days away from celebrating her 21st birthday on July 14 when her life was cut short.
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According to 9News, Paige had worked as a stewardess on board the Sweet Emocean yacht before she became part of the crew for the Far From It, a 43m luxury motor super yacht which costs at least $140,000 per week to charter.
Paige's family confirmed the news of her death in a post on Facebook 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. 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. “
On a GoFundMe page created by crew of the Sweet Emocean following Paige's death, the 20-year-old was described as a 'beautiful soul'.
"Paige was more than a teammate, she was family," the page reads. "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."
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Paige's mom has reportedly asked that those looking to pay tribute to her do so by eating her favorite cake, red velvet, on her upcoming birthday.
In its statement, the Royal Bahamas Police Force said police had been alerted to the incident on board the yacht shortly after 1pm local time on July 3.
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After Paige was found unresponsive, a local doctor was called to examine her and pronounced her deceased.
According to the officers, Paige had been missing for a 'short period' prior to her discovery in the engine room. It was later reported that she was found with slash wounds on her neck and arms, suggesting she may have attempted to fend off an attack.
The man found with her was identified as a male of Mexican nationality.
When officers arrived on the scene, the man was apprehended and taken to a nearby clinic for medical treatment.
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In an update shared on July 9, the Royal Bahamas Police Force announced that a 39-year-old Mexican national male would be arraigned in the Magistrate Court, charged with murder following Paige's death. News outlets have named the suspect as Brigido Munoz.
Our News has since reported that the suspect appeared in court and was denied bail. He is set to return to court on November 20.
You can donate to the GoFundMe for Paige's family here.