A dream turned into a nightmare for 20-year-old Paige Bell, a former Hillcrest High School pupil from KwaZulu-Natal, who was tragically murdered while working on a luxury superyacht in the Bahamas.
The devastating incident occurred on July 3 aboard the Far From It superyacht, where Paige had recently joined as a crew member. Authorities in the Bahamas have arrested a 39-year-old Mexican man, also a crew member on the vessel, in connection with her death. The suspect appeared briefly in court on Wednesday and was denied bail as investigations continue.
Paige had been preparing to return home to South Africa to celebrate her 21st birthday on July 14 with her family and friends. Her sudden and violent death has left her loved ones shattered and sparked an outpouring of grief from the global yachting community.
Before joining Far From It, Paige had worked as a stewardess aboard another luxury yacht, Sweet Emocean. Her former colleagues have since launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist her family with travel and legal expenses. The page paints a picture of a young woman full of light, laughter, and love.
“Paige was more than a teammate, she was family,” the crew of Sweet Emocean wrote in the tribute. “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.”
The campaign has so far raised over US$44,000 (around R790,000) from more than 540 donors around the world, showing just how deeply her life touched others.
Hillcrest High School, where Paige completed her matric in 2022, also paid tribute, describing her as “an incredibly special young lady who was the happiest, most bubbly person.”
Her sister, Chelsey Jacobs, shared a heartfelt post on Facebook via Palma Yacht Crew, expressing the family’s immense grief. She revealed that their parents, Michelle and John Bell, had flown to the Bahamas to identify their daughter and begin the painful process of repatriating her body.
“We are devastated beyond words,” Chelsey wrote. “And now we must also navigate complex and costly legal proceedings in a foreign country — something far beyond our family’s financial means. We are grateful for your love, support, and solidarity during this incredibly difficult time.”
The case has raised concern across the international yachting industry, prompting discussions about the safety and wellbeing of young crew members working far from home.
As the investigation unfolds, Paige’s family continues to seek justice for the young woman whose life was cut short just days before a milestone birthday. Her death has sent ripples across oceans — a painful reminder of the dangers that can hide behind even the most glamorous dreams.