Richard Branson shows off nasty facial injury after slamming into hotel window

Sir Richard Branson has revealed a painful mishap in New York this week, after running “face first” into a window at one of his Virgin Hotels.

The 75-year-old billionaire shared photos of his bloodied cheek on Instagram but still managed to laugh at himself, joking, “Did you hear about the guy who ran into a window? He was in a lot of pane... This week, that guy was yours truly.”

Branson went on to explain he had been dining at Virgin Hotels NYC with members of Planetary Guardians, discussing innovations in sustainable farming from Holganix. When he saw the Holganix team walk past, he dashed over to greet them, only to slam straight into a glass window. “I sprinted to catch up with them – and ran face first into the window,” he wrote. “I left quite a mark on the glass – and it left quite the mark on me!”

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However, he praised a woman named Elizabeth for catching him before he fell, saying, “Thankfully there’s no serious damage done. I’m feeling fine and the cut is healing well. In the meantime, I’ll be sure to turn the other cheek!”

The accident comes shortly after a heartbreaking incident on Branson’s £95,000-a-night Necker Island, of the British Virgin Islands, retreat, where a highly regarded chef died in a tragic buggy crash.

Sihle Somdaka, 37, a father-of-two and rising culinary star, died after reportedly losing control of an electric buggy while driving down a steep hill late at night. He had just attended a farewell party at the island’s luxurious Great House.

Emergency crews from nearby Moskito Island rushed to perform CPR, and Somdaka was taken by boat to Peebles Hospital on Tortola – but he sadly died from a head injury.

Branson was not on the island at the time, but a source told The Sun he’s been in close contact with the family and island staff, and is “deeply saddened.”

“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 said.

Police in the British Virgin Islands have launched a full investigation. One insider claimed the island had a “culture of excess,” warning, “It was only a matter of time, but it should never have happened.”

Virgin Limited Edition said, “It is with deepest sadness that we confirm one of our Necker Island team members sadly passed away. We are all devastated.”

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