A Tragic Accident on Richard Branson’s Private Island
A rising executive sous chef from South Africa met a tragic end in a chaotic electric buggy accident on tycoon Richard Branson’s private island in the Caribbean. Sihle Somdaka, a 37-year-old father of two, lost his life after reportedly losing control of the buggy while returning to his vacation home after celebrating at a farewell party at the island’s Great House, as per a report by The Sun.
Although Branson was not present on the island at the time, he expressed deep sadness over the incident and extended his condolences to Somdaka’s family and the team at Necker Island. Somdaka, who hailed from Cape Town, had previously worked at prestigious restaurants in Kuwait and Qatar before joining Branson’s Caribbean resort.
Somdaka left the party late at night and was descending a steep hillside in a buggy when the accident occurred. Despite the efforts of the island’s medical staff who performed CPR and rushed him to a nearby hospital, he succumbed to a fatal head injury.
Just days before the tragic accident, Somdaka had been sharing photos of himself enjoying the “Caribbean life” on social media, highlighting his love for jet skis and breathtaking sunsets.
An investigation has been launched by the British Virgin Island authorities to determine the circumstances leading to Somdaka’s untimely death. Speculation has emerged regarding the “culture of excess” on Branson’s luxurious island, with one source attributing the accident to a series of close calls and near misses over the years.
Necker Island has been a popular destination for high-profile guests, including Princess Diana, Harry Styles, Mariah Carey, and former President Barack Obama. The tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with extravagant lifestyles in paradise settings.
