A GoFundMe account has been set up to assist the family of Paige Bell, a former KZN learner who was murdered and allegedly sexually assaulted in the Bahamas.

Highway Mail reports her body was found in the ship’s engine room last Thursday. The Witness adds that Bahamas police have arrested a 39-year-old Mexican man, a fellow crew member, in connection with her death. He appeared in court yesterday and was denied bail. Local news outlets in the Bahamas said the investigation is ongoing.

Highway Mail states Bell and the accused worked aboard the Far From It superyacht. At the time of the incident, the yacht was anchored off Harbour Island.

Bell, who would have celebrated her 21st birthday on July 14, is a former Hillcrest High School learner.

Hillcrest High School wrote on Facebook: “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.”

The school described Bell, who matriculated in 2022, 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,” read the post.

To assist the family, visit Honouring Paige Bell: Support Her Family.

The Witness reports that captains who had worked with Bell started the GoFundMe campaign, where they also wrote tributes and showed support for her family.

“Paige was more than a teammate, she was family,” wrote crew members of the Sweet Emocean in the campaign. “Her radiant spirit, infectious laughter and boundless compassion made an unforgettable impact on everyone lucky enough to know her.”

They shared memories of long days at sea and quiet moments under the stars, where Paige’s warmth and kindness touched every corner of the boat. Her former colleagues said she would be remembered as a ‘beautiful soul’ who brought light wherever she went.

Since its launch, the GoFundMe campaign has raised over $44 000 (nearly R800 000) from more than 500 donors around the world. The funds will assist the Bell family with the costs of repatriation and legal proceedings abroad.

In a heartfelt post shared by Palma Yacht Crew, her sister, Chelsey Jacobs, said their parents, Michelle and John Bell, had flown to the Bahamas ‘to begin the painful process of not only bringing their baby girl home, but also seeking justice for the monster that took her life’.

“We are devastated beyond words,” she wrote. “Now we must also navigate complex and costly legal proceedings in a foreign country, something far beyond our family’s financial means.”

On what would have been her 21st birthday, Bell’s mother asked friends and supporters to eat red velvet cake — her favourite — in remembrance.

“Whether you choose to donate, share a memory, or simply say a prayer — every gesture matters,” said the Sweet Emocean crew. “Let’s come together to honour her life.”

The motive behind the killing remains unclear, and although the suspect appeared in court, he has not yet been formally charged due to the Bahamas’ criminical justice system. Police investigations are expected to continue in the weeks ahead.

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