Sir Richard Branson ‘deeply saddened’ after rising star chef dies in crash on billionaire’s island retreat

Sources say Sir Richard Branson has been left “deeply saddened” after executive sous chef Sihle Somdaka died in a buggy crash on his Caribbean retreat Necker Island.

Sir Richard Branson has been left “deeply saddened” after executive sous chef Sihle Somdaka died in a buggy crash on his Caribbean retreat Necker Island.

The 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’s family, according to reports.

Sihle, 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’s Great House.

A source told The Sun: “Sir Richard wasn’t on the island when the incident occurred but has been in close contact with the family and the Necker Island team.”

They added the billionaire was “deeply saddened” by the tragedy.

The crash took place just before midnight, as Sihle drove down a steep hillside in one of the resort’s buggies.

Island medics attempted CPR before a doctor was flown in from neighbouring Moskito Island.

He was then transported by boat to Peebles Hospital on Tortola, where he was pronounced dead from a head injury.

Police 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.

Another insider alleged there had been “a culture of excess” at the luxury resort.

They said: “They’ve had very many close shaves and near misses over the years… it was only a matter of time, but it should never have happened.”

Sihle was described as a rising star in the culinary world.

The father-of-two had worked in high-end restaurants across the Middle East, including in Doha and Kuwait, before securing a position on Branson’s £95,000-a-night private island.

Days before his death, Sihle shared images on social media of himself enjoying the beaches and jet skis at Necker Island, captioning one photograph: “Caribbean life.”