Uncertainty surrounds death of Ulusaba head chef
Lorenzo Giliomee, a well-known and highly regarded chef, was found "disorientated" at the Ulusaba Private Game Reserve on November 10 and taken to Mediclinic Nelspruit where he passed away six days later.
A cloud of uncertainty is hanging over the death of Ulusaba Private Game Reserve’s head chef, Lorenzo Giliomee.
“We will not rest until we find out what happened to him,” the family said, after learning of his death on Tuesday – six days after he had been admitted to hospital. Ulusaba forms part of Virgin Limited Edition, Sir Richard Branson’s collection of unique retreats and luxury hotels.
Giliomee (45), a well-known and highly regarded chef, was found “disorientated” at the reserve’s Safari Lodge on November 10 and taken to Mediclinic Nelspruit shortly after he had been discovered, according to Naomi Moreno-Melgar, the group head of public relations for Virgin Limited Edition.
In a brief interview with Lowvelder before she boarded a plane to Mbombela, Lorenzo’s sister, Alicia, said her mother was broken and she herself had lost her only brother ,whom she fondly referred to as “Boeta”.
“Mommy arrived just in time (at the hospital) to hold him,” she said.
Speaking about the circumstances on the day Lorenzo had been discovered, Moreno-Melgar said their immediate priority was ensuring he received urgent medical attention.
“The Ulusaba team have been in regular contact with the family from the moment Lorenzo was taken to hospital.
“A paramedic was called and was on the scene within 25 minutes; he then took Lorenzo to hospital with a suspected concussion.
“We are carrying out an internal investigation to understand how Lorenzo’s injuries occurred and will provide assistance to the local authorities to help establish the cause of death.
“Due to the ongoing investigation, we are unable to comment further at this time.”
Alicia said they had struggled to obtain updates on Giliomee’s situation and even took to Branson’s LinkedIn profile where he gives people the opportunity to ask him questions with #AskRichard.
“Morning Mr Branson, “Please help! Who may I approach to find out the truth about how my brother, Lorenzo Giliomee (your employee), was hurt so badly on November 10 at Ulusaba that he is now fighting for his life in Mediclinic Nelspruit. Urgent for the doctors to help him. “Thanks. Alicia Giliomee.”
This was on Saturday November 13 when her brother was still alive.
On her own LinkedIn profile she posted a tribute to Boeta with some fond memories.
“You brought change and light and love into everyone’s lives that you touched. You were a daring and creative chef, respected in the field and loved by your staff and patrons.”
The CEO of Virgin Limited Edition, Jon Brown, said they are devastated at the loss of Giliomee’s life.
“He was a hugely talented chef, committed and an outstanding member of the Ulusaba family. He will be deeply missed by all those who had worked with him.
“Our deepest sympathies and thoughts are with his family and friends. We will do all we can to support them during this very difficult time.”
Giliomee had previously worked there from 2010 to 2012 and returned again in May as head chef.
Col Donald Mdhluli, a provincial spokesperson for the police, said, “The matter has just been brought to the attention of the police today, Wednesday November 17, and an inquiry will be opened to be investigated in an effort to determine the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.”
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@lowvelder.co.za.
Read original story on lowvelder.co.za
