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South African chef dies in electric buggy crash on Richard Branson’s Necker Island

NECKER ISLAND, British Virgin Islands — 30 August 2025

South African chef Sihle Somdaka, 35, has died in an electric buggy accident at Sir Richard Branson’s private Necker Island resort in the British Virgin Islands.

The accident happened just before midnight after a farewell party at the estate’s Great House. Somdaka lost control of the vehicle and crashed, suffering a head injury. (company statement)

Island medics and responders from Moskito Island performed CPR before rushing Somdaka to Peebles Hospital in Tortola by boat. Doctors pronounced him dead on arrival. (medical report)

A second person received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities have launched a full investigation into the crash. (police confirmation)

Staff are cooperating with investigators, a source close to the situation said. Another source claimed to The Sun newspaper that the incident might reflect a broader “culture of excess” on the island, adding: “They’ve had very many close shaves and near misses over the years, but this is the first time someone has died. It was only a matter of time, but it should never have happened.” (The Sun) These claims are unverified.

Sir Richard Branson, who was absent during the incident, expressed deep sadness and contacted Somdaka’s family. “This is, of course, his primary concern,” his spokesperson stated.

Virgin Limited Edition confirmed: “It is with deepest sadness that we can confirm that one of our Necker Island team members, sadly passed away on Saturday, 30 August 2025. They were a hugely talented and exceptional member of the Necker Island family.”

Somdaka previously worked at Opa Doha in Qatar and Razzmatazz in Kuwait. His death has shocked South Africa’s hospitality community and expatriate workers.