Amid an international media frenzy surrounding a fatal incident early Saturday morning on Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island, Virgin Islands police have provided few details and declined to confirm information in news reports that quickly spanned the globe.
Early this week, British media began reporting that South African executive sous chef Sihle Somdaka was found with an apparent head injury after an electric buggy crash on the island.
But VI police stayed mum until Monday afternoon, when Police Information Officer Akia Thomas-Nero responded to media queries by releasing a brief statement that did not mention a wreck or head injury and did not name the deceased.
The statement acknowledged that “emergency services” were alerted on Saturday morning — Ms. Thomas-Nero said the call came in shortly after midnight — and responded promptly to a “fatal incident” on the island.
“One male was transported to the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead,” according to the statement. “Another individual was treated for non-life-threatening injuries sustained during the incident.”
The statement added that officers from the police force and “other relevant agencies” visited the scene and launched investigations to “determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
‘Hugely talented’
Sir Richard’s company Virgin Limited Edition described the deceased as “a hugely talented and exceptional member of the Necker Island family.”
“Our utmost priority is the well-being of their family and friends and that of our team, and we are doing everything we can to support them all during this very difficult time,” the company told the Beacon yesterday.
A source with knowledge of the situation told the Beacon that Sir Richard was “deeply saddened” by the incident.
“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,” the source stated.
The source also confirmed other details reported by the British media, noting that the Necker Island medic was immediately called to the scene and provided medical care including CPR.
Further queries
In response to requests for more information, Ms. Thomas-Nero declined to provide further details about the incident but said late Monday afternoon that officers were at Necker conducting inquiries.
“More information will be given as the investigation progresses,” she added. “We do not confirm identities unless they have been officially identified. That has not happened yet. We are also not withholding anything.”
Asked why the police force didn’t notify the public about the death for more than two days, she added that “human error” delayed the police statement until Monday afternoon.
As of Beacon press time yesterday afternoon, Ms. Thomas-Nero had provided no further information.
Also in the Monday statement, acting Police Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool offered her condolences to the chef’s family, friends and colleagues.
“This is a tragic event, and the [Royal Virgin Islands Police Force] is committed to conducting a thorough investigation,” she said.
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