“I Pray for Justice”: Friend Speaks Out About SA Stewardess' Murder 10 Days Before Her 21st Birthday
- Personal brand strategist Toni Baptista penned a heartbreaking tribute to Paige Bell from Hillcrest
- The 20-year-old stewardess was brutally murdered in July aboard the luxury superyacht Far From It while docked in the Bahamas
- A yacht engineer has been charged with her murder after Paige had previously filed a harassment complaint against him
Source: UGC
A family friend has shared an emotional tribute to murdered South African stewardess Paige Bell on what should have been her 21st birthday celebration.
KwaZulu-Natal personal brand strategist Toni Baptista took to LinkedIn to remember the young woman from Hillcrest, whose life was tragically cut short while working on a luxury yacht in the Bahamas.
Baptista wrote:
"Today would have been Paige Bell's 21st birthday. Instead, her parents are planning her funeral. I think it's every parent's worst nightmare, getting a phone call to say your daughter has been murdered."
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The tribute described Paige as a vibrant, kind, beautiful young woman with her whole life ahead of her, who was working as a stewardess aboard the luxury superyacht Far From It, which was docked off Harbour Island in the Bahamas.
On the third of July, just 10 days before her 21st birthday, Paige was reported missing by concerned crewmates who noticed her absence and couldn't reach her by phone. Police arrived at the scene and made the horrific discovery in the yacht's engine room, where they found Paige's body showing signs of a violent struggle and possible sexual assault.
Her throat had been cut and her arms were covered with defensive wounds, suggesting she fought bravely for her life against her attacker. The evidence indicated that Paige refused to give up without a fight, showing tremendous courage in her final moments.
Source: UGC
LinkedIn community shows support
The heartfelt tribute attracted numerous responses from LinkedIn users expressing their shock and sympathy.
@jason_aucamp wrote:
"Absolutely tragic! Thoughts and prayers to her family!"
@carly_erasmus observed:
"Absolutely tragic. This is far more common than people realise, and it is devastating."
@mmabatho_mamabolo added:
"Very tragic and heartbreaking 💔 Men must respect women and stop seeing them as objects."
@nosipho_gumede wrote:
"This is absolutely heartbreaking! 💔 Being a woman in this world is so hard. I hope the justice system doesn't fail her! Strength and love to her family and friends ❤️ 🙏 ✨"
Baptista concluded her tribute:
"Today, I want to remember Paige and honour her beautiful spirit, and I pray with all my heart that justice will be served. Rest in peace, Paige 💔 You will always be remembered."
Suspect charged with murder
After the murder, a 39-year-old Mexican national and yacht engineer was found at the scene with notable injuries to his arms. He was taken to the hospital for treatment before being arrested and charged with murder. The suspect appeared in a Nassau court on 9 July 2025, where he was denied bail and will remain in custody until his next hearing on 20th November 2025.
Baptista revealed a disturbing detail that has added to the family's pain. Before the tragic incident, Paige had filed a formal sexual harassment complaint against the same man. He had been issued with a warning, but this measure proved insufficient to protect the young stewardess from the ultimate violence.
This revelation has raised serious questions about safety protocols aboard luxury yachts and whether enough is being done to protect crew members, particularly young women, from workplace harassment and violence.
Briefly News reached out to Toni Baptista, who had not responded by the time of publishing.
View Baptista's post here.
3 More stories about tragic crimes
- Briefly News recently reported on Tebogo Thobejane's attempted murder case, which took a shocking twist when it was revealed that the alleged hitman's daughter was involved in planning the failed attack on the actress.
- A Bloemfontein woman was convicted of culpable homicide after her pit bull broke free and killed a child, but the circumstances of how the attack happened left many questioning pet ownership laws.
- Western Cape police arrested two suspects in connection with a Khayelitsha child's murder, but the disturbing way investigators found crucial evidence using a dog shocked the community.
Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
