Donations to Paige Bell’s GoFundMe campaign surpass R1 million mark

The GoFundMe campaign launched to support the family of South African stewardess Paige Bell has surpassed the R1 million mark.

By the time of publishing, the page had raised $56 478 (R1 008 750), reaching 94% of its $60 000 goal.

Earlier this month, a Mexican co-worker murdered Bell aboard a £9.5 million superyacht in the Bahamas, just days before what would have been her 21st birthday on Monday, 14 July.

‘Golden girl’

Authorities have released the first image of Brigido Munoz, the man accused of murdering Paige Bell.

Munoz, a Mexican crew member, allegedly sexually assaulted and killed Bell in the engine room of the 142-foot yacht Far From It.

He appeared in court in Nassau, where Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley denied him bail and ordered his detention until a hearing scheduled for 20 November.

Munoz, who served as an engineer on the yacht, was not asked to enter a plea.

The court heard that Bell was discovered partially clothed and covered in blood, with slash wounds to her neck and defensive injuries on her arms, evidence that she fought back during the attack.

Munoz was reportedly discovered lying close by with injuries on his arms, in what authorities suspect may have been a failed suicide attempt.

He was rushed to hospital before being charged.

Described by friends as a “golden girl,” Bell was reportedly just days away from returning to South Africa to celebrate her 21st birthday on 14 July.

Tribute from the former school

Bell’s former school, Hillcrest High School, in KwaZulu-Natal, paid tribute to her on social media.

“It is with great sadness that we offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends, and all who knew and loved former Hillcrest High School pupil, Paige Bell.

“Paige matriculated in 2022 and is remembered by our HHS community as an incredibly special young lady who was the happiest, most bubbly person.

“We know that her untimely and tragic death is a great loss to all who knew Paige, and beyond devastating to her parents and family.

“As a school we will be holding them in our thoughts and prayers and would like to ask for the support of the greater HHS community in bringing Paige home to her family.

“Please share and donate to the GoFundMe account that was set up, in her honour, to assist her family during this incredibly difficult time.”