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Richard Branson Laughs Off Painful Window Mishap
Sir Richard Branson disclosed a brutal injury to his face as a result of the incident when he “face first” went into a window at one of his New York hotels this week.
The 75-year-old Virgin empire-holder posted pictures of the cut on his face to Instagram, making light of the incident with a laughing but painful Branson related that he wanted to touch a team member over and so he was in a hurry, he hit the glass with his chest — a little scratch can also be seen on the window.
Branson Pokes Fun at His Pain
Branson did not allow his sense of humor to falter and threw in a punny quip: “Did you hear about the guy who ran into a window? He was in a lot of pane…This week, that guy was no other than me.”
He went on to say that he was eating with the @PlanetaryGdns group at @VirginHotelsNYC, a meal that turned into a discussion about sustainable farming innovations with Holganix when he spotted the Holganix team walking by.
“I wanted to introduce them to the group, so I made a run for it to catch up with them — but I ended up hitting the window with my face. I have made quite the stain on the glass — and it has left quite the impression on me!” he said with a chuckle.
‘Turn the Other Cheek’ — And a Recent Tragedy
Branson said that Elizabeth’s support ‘the delightful Elizabeth,’ really helped him keep his cool, and with a smile, he added: “We had a laugh about it the next day. Fortunately, no serious damage has been caused, I am feeling good and the cut is also healing nicely. In the meantime, I will definitely be turning the other cheek!”
The funny flash is weeks after a disaster at his Caribbean refuge. Executive sous chef Sihle Somdaka, 37, was found dead with grievous injuries due to an electric buggy crash on Necker Island, the private retreat of Virgin founder worth £95,000-a-night.”‘
Island Community in Mourning
The father of two — the one who was considered a rising star in the culinary world — had just gone to Necker Island’s stylish Great House for a lively farewell party, an event that used to be the home of Richard Branson and his wife, Joan.
The police in the British Virgin Islands are fully committed to solving the case of death, which has profoundly impacted the island community.
It was reported by a source to The Sun that Branson was not on the island and has, however, stayed in touch with the chef’s family and the Necker team, stating that the billionaire is “deeply saddened” by the fatality, which they think happened late Friday night.
Details of the Fatal Accident and Ongoing Investigation
Somdaka left the party shortly before midnight to drive his electric buggy down a steep hillside. Medics from the island and a doctor who came in from nearby Moskito Island gave him CPR. Before they could save him, he was taken to Peebles Hospital on Tortola by boat where he got a head injury and was declared dead.
The staff members are now assisting the police with their extensive inquiry to clarify the exact incident. Meanwhile, the investigation continues with an officer suggesting that the “culture of excess” on the island might have played a part in the catastrophe.
A Rising Talent Lost
An insider said in a mournful tone, “Over the whole time that they’ve operated… It was just a matter of time, the but they should never have gone that way.”
Somdaka Sihle who was born in Cape Town had gathered a remarkable global career record, charming the patrons at the top restaurants in Doha and Kuwait, and later becoming the executive sous chef at Branson’s luxury retreat in the Caribbean with an outstanding career.”
Heartfelt Tributes from Necker Island
A couple of days before the unfortunate event, Somdaka posted some wonderful pictures with the sun shining brightly, riding jet skis and chilling on immaculate beaches to which he added the caption “Caribbean life”.
A Virgin Limited Edition spokesperson said in a statement: “We are filled with the utmost sadness as we send out the confirmation that one of our Necker Island team members passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, 30 August 2025. One and only and very talented, they were an exceptional member of the Necker Island family, and their departing has touched us a great deal. Our hearts go out to their family members, and we will also supporting our workmates who are emotionally affected, as this is the thing that matters most to us at the moment. We are there for them in every conceivable way during this tough time.”
