UPDATE: Necker Island fatal accident victim is executive sous chef Sihle Somdaka
Somdaka was reportedly found with a head injury after apparently losing control of an electric buggy.
According to The Irish Sun, the crash is said to have occurred after a farewell party at the Great House for departing guests.
Dad-of-two Sihle, who was originally from Cape Town, was said to be among a number of staff invited to the bash.
According to The Irish Sun, Somdaka left shortly before midnight in one of the island's electric buggies, but is said to have veered off the road as he made his way down a steep hill away from the property.
Chef found unconscious
The newspaper’s source said: "He was found unconscious and appeared to have sustained a head injury.
"The island's medic was immediately called to the scene and another from the nearby island of Moskito.
"They began CPR whilst arrangements were made to transport him by boat to Peebles [Dr D. Orlando Smith] Hospital on the island of Tortola.
"He was later pronounced dead."
Somdaka previously worked around the globe, including at Opa Doha in Doha and Razzmatazz in Kuwait, before arriving at Sir Richard's private island.
See previous article published September 1, 2025
RVIPF investigating fatal accident on Necker Island
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has said it is investigating a fatal incident that occurred on Necker Island in the early hours of Saturday, August 30, 2025.
Although the RVIPF has not provided any details, sources told our News Centre that a worker on the private island owned by Richard C.N. Branson died from his injuries after the golf cart he was in plunged off a cliff.
Our sources also said the man, who was reportedly employed as a chef, was from South Africa.
Police in a press release today, September 1, 2025, said emergency services were alerted and responded promptly.
One male was transported to the Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Another individual was treated for non-life-threatening injuries sustained during the incident, the RVIPF stated.
Investigation underway
Officers from the RVIPF and other relevant agencies have attended the scene, and investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline E. Vanterpool stated, “We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased. This is a tragic event, and the RVIPF is committed to conducting a thorough investigation.”
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses, the RVIPF said.
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14 Responses to “UPDATE: Necker Island fatal accident victim is executive sous chef Sihle Somdaka”
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