Investigation Intensifies as Mango Founder's Son Becomes Focus in Fashion Tycoon's Mysterious Death

Police have reconsidered their initial ruling of accidental death and are now investigating potential homicide charges in the case.

Spain:

Spanish authorities confirmed on Friday that the investigation into the unexpected death of Mango fashion empire founder Isak Andic remains active, following media reports suggesting his son has become a person of interest.

Andic, 71, lost his life in December 2024 after falling more than 100 meters (300 feet) while on a hiking expedition with his eldest son Jonathan in Barcelona's Montserrat mountains.

Initially classified as an accident by law enforcement, the case has taken a new direction as investigators are now examining Jonathan, 44, in connection with a possible homicide, according to El Pais newspaper, which cited multiple sources familiar with the investigation.

Jonathan, who was the sole person accompanying his father when the incident occurred, has reportedly provided "inconsistent" statements during two separate testimonies, which has "heightened suspicion" among investigators.

The newspaper reported that his account of events contradicted forensic evidence collected at the scene.

When contacted by AFP, representatives of the Catalan regional police confirmed an ongoing investigation but declined to provide additional details, citing judicial confidentiality restrictions.

The High Court of Justice of Catalonia issued a statement clarifying that the investigation remains under police jurisdiction and "procedurally, at present" does not target "any specific individual."

Barcelona's La Vanguardia newspaper, also citing informed sources, reported that the investigating judge formally changed Jonathan's status from witness to suspect in late September, and authorities were analyzing the contents of his mobile phone.

Spanish media outlets indicated that police have also referenced testimony from Isak Andic's partner, professional golfer Estefania Knuth, who described tension in the father-son relationship.

The hiking trail where Isak Andic and his son were walking connects the Salnitre caves in Collbato with the Montserrat monastery and is a popular weekend destination for families.

'Keep Moving Forward'

Jonathan began his professional journey at Mango in 2005 after completing studies in audiovisual communication in the United States and business in Spain.

He took over management of the Mango Man line two years later and currently serves as vice-chairman of Mango's board, according to company information.

"If you are clear about where you want to go and keep moving forward, you will end up achieving your goals," he stated in a Mango promotional video released on YouTube two years ago.

The Andic family released a statement to Spanish media expressing that they were "co-operating fully with the authorities" and "are confident that this process will finish as soon as possible and that Jonathan Andic's innocence will be demonstrated."

Mango did not respond to AFP's requests for comment.

Istanbul-born Isak Andic was among Spain's wealthiest individuals, with Forbes estimating his family's fortune at $4.5 billion.

In December 2023, Isak Andic made the unprecedented decision to broaden Mango's ownership structure, selling a 5.0 percent stake to Toni Ruiz, the current board chairman.

Quick Growth

Andic established his first Mango store on Barcelona's prestigious shopping boulevard, Paseo de Gracia, in 1984 with assistance from his older brother Nahman. The venture proved immensely successful.

Spain had recently emerged from decades of dictatorship that ended with General Francisco Franco's death in 1975, and consumers eagerly sought more contemporary fashion options.

His Mango brand rapidly expanded throughout Spain and evolved into one of the world's leading fashion conglomerates.

The company offers both professional and casual apparel and maintains a presence in over 120 markets with more than 16,400 employees worldwide, according to its website.

Similar to its main domestic competitor Inditex, the world's largest fashion retailer and owner of the popular Zara brand, Mango focuses on quickly adapting production to latest fashion trends while maintaining affordable pricing.

Mango does not own manufacturing facilities, instead outsourcing production primarily to lower-cost regions in Turkey and Asia.