She Lived the Dream Life Aboard a Yacht — Until a Grisly Discovery in the Engine Room
The victim was identified by a local outlet and her family on Facebook as Paige Bell
The suspect is a 39-year-old Mexican nationalA 20-year-old South African woman was allegedly killed on board a luxury yacht in the Bahamas.
According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, officers found a woman 'unresponsive with visible signs of injuries' in the engine room of the vessel shortly after 1 p.m. on July 3, which was docked at Harbour Island.
Police said the woman was missing for a short period of time before she was discovered 'with the male suspect present," police wrote in a statement posted on Facebook.
Police believe the suspect — a 39-year-old Mexican national — attempted suicide and was "suffering from severe injuries to his arms."
A local doctor boarded the vessel and pronounced the woman deceased.
The victim was identified by local outlet Our News and her family on Facebook as Paige Bell.
'It is with broken hearts that we share the devastating news that our beautiful Paigey's life was brutally taken from us last night,' the family wrote on July 4.
'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. '
Police said the suspect was 'apprehended, cautioned, and taken to a nearby clinic for medical treatment.'
He was arraigned on Wednesday, July 9 in the Magistrate Court, and charged with murder, police said.
According to a GoFundMe page, Bell 'would have celebrated her 21st birthday on July 14th.'
'In honor 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,' the fundraiser stated.'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.'
Bell had previously worked on the Motor Yacht Sweet Emocean until December 2024.
So far, the page has raised more than $42,000.
The suspect appeared in court on Wednesday, July 9 and was denied bail, Our News reported. He will return to court on November 20.
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