1 September 2025<\/time>\n <\/p>\nSir Richard Branson has been left \u201cdeeply saddened\u201d after executive sous chef Sihle Somdaka died in a buggy crash on his Caribbean retreat Necker Island.<\/p>\n
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Sir Richard Branson has been left \u2018deeply saddened\u2019 after executive sous chef Sihle Somdaka died in a buggy crash on his Caribbean retreat Necker Island<\/p>\n
\nThe 75-year-old entrepreneur was not on the island at the time of the incident but has been in close contact with staff and the chef\u2019s family, according to reports. <\/p>\n
\nSihle, aged 37 and originally from Cape Town, South Africa, was found fatally injured late on Friday (29.08.25) after apparently losing control of an electric buggy shortly after leaving a farewell party at the island\u2019s Great House.<\/p>\n
\nA source told The Sun: \u201cSir Richard wasn\u2019t on the island when the incident occurred but has been in close contact with the family and the Necker Island team.\u201d <\/p>\n
\nThey added the billionaire was \u201cdeeply saddened\u201d by the tragedy.<\/p>\n
\nThe crash took place just before midnight, as Sihle drove down a steep hillside in one of the resort\u2019s buggies. <\/p>\n
\nIsland medics attempted CPR before a doctor was flown in from neighbouring Moskito Island. <\/p>\n
\nHe was then transported by boat to Peebles Hospital on Tortola, where he was pronounced dead from a head injury.<\/p>\n
\nPolice in the British Virgin Islands have launched a full investigation into the circumstances of the crash. A source told The Sun staff on Necker Island are working closely with local authorities to establish what happened. <\/p>\n
\nAnother insider alleged there had been \u201ca culture of excess\u201d at the luxury resort. <\/p>\n
\nThey said: \u201cThey\u2019ve had very many close shaves and near misses over the years\u2026 it was only a matter of time, but it should never have happened.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nSihle was described as a rising star in the culinary world. <\/p>\n
\nThe father-of-two had worked in high-end restaurants across the Middle East, including in Doha and Kuwait, before securing a position on Branson\u2019s \u00a395,000-a-night private island.<\/p>\n
\nDays before his death, Sihle shared images on social media of himself enjoying the beaches and jet skis at Necker Island, captioning one photograph: \u201cCaribbean life.\u201d<\/p>\n
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