Police are investigating a tragic accident on Sir Richard Branson’s private island that claimed the life of a rising South African chef.
According to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), emergency services were called to Necker Island in the early hours of Saturday, August 30, following reports of a serious incident.
Thirty-seven-year-old Sihle Somdaka, an executive sous chef, was transported to the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, where he was pronounced dead from injuries believed to have been sustained in an electric buggy crash.
Another individual who was also involved in the incident was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Somdaka, a father of two from Cape Town, had been celebrating at a farewell party at the island’s Great House before the fatal crash, according to overseas reports. He reportedly lost control of the buggy while returning to his residence.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool expressed condolences on behalf of the RVIPF, calling it “a tragic event” and pledging a full investigation.
Somdaka had built an international culinary career, with stints in Kuwait and Qatar before joining Branson’s Caribbean resort team.
The RVIPF said investigations into the circumstances of the accident are ongoing.