THE billionaire founder of fashion giant Mango has tragically died after suffering a horrifying fall down a mountain.
Reports suggest that Isak Andic, one of Spain’s wealthiest individuals, was discovered deceased after an accident where he fell roughly 500ft down a cliff during a family outing in Catalonia.
The 71-year-old’s son Jonathan is believed to have first told emergency services about the fatal plunge after he tried to save his dad.
Andic was exploring the Collbato Caves located in the renowned Montserrat mountain area, just on the outskirts of Barcelona, when the unfortunate incident occurred earlier today at approximately midday.
Jonathan, 43, told Spanish cops he heard rocks and sand falling behind him before noticing his dad had fallen down the steep ravine.
When a large team of rescuers – including helicopter units – arrived to the scene they said there was nothing they could do to save Andic.
His body was later recovered at around 3.30pm.
Officials then transferred him to the Institute of Legal and Forensic Medicine of Catalonia for an autopsy.
Various other members of his family were also on the trip, according to the El Pais newspaper.
Catalan president Salvador Illa paid tribute to Andic on X shortly after his death was confirmed by Mango.
Expressing deep sorrow, Illa stated: “I am saddened by the passing of Isak Andic, a dedicated entrepreneur who, through his guidance, has played a role in advancing Catalonia’s success and promoting it internationally.”
“He leaves an indelible mark on the Catalan and global fashion sector. My condolences and those of the entire Government to the family, friends, and the Mango team.”
Spain’s opposition People’s Party leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo added: “I regret the death of Isak Andic, the founder of Mango which is a benchmark in the textile and fashion sector at an international level.
“My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all the company’s employees.”
Andic, born in Turkey, founded the high street fashion chain Mango along with his brother Nahman back in 1984.
In the last four decades the company has grown into a household name and now has over 2,700 stores across 110 countries.
They also have over 14,000 employees.
The UK currently has 45 Mango shops on dozens of high streets.
Earlier this year Mango announced it was teaming up with Spice Girl, turned business mogul Victoria Beckham for a new collection to mark its 40th anniversary.
Forbes recently estimated Andic’s net worth at £3.5 billion – making him Catalonia’s richest man and one of Spain’s wealthiest people.
He was granted a knighthood by France for his contributions to the country back in 2018.
Andic had three children, including Jonathan, and a number of grand-kids.
Jonathan – who works at Mango – is now expected to take over the business.
Mango’s statement on the tragic death
MANGO CEO Tony Ruiz said today: “It is with deep regret that we announce the unexpected death of Isak Andic, our non-executive Chairman and founder of Mango, in an accident that occurred this Saturday.
“Isak has been an example for all of us. He dedicated his life to Mango, leaving an indelible mark thanks to his strategic vision, his inspiring leadership and his unwavering commitment to values that he himself imbued in our company.
“His legacy reflects the achievements of a business project marked by success, and also by his human quality, his proximity and the care and affection that he always had and at all times conveyed to the entire organisation.
“His departure leaves a huge void but all of us are, in some way, his legacy and the testimony of his achievements.
“It is up to us, and this is the best tribute we can make to Isak and which we will fulfill, to ensure that Mango continues to be the project that Isak aspired to and of which he would feel proud.
“In these extremely difficult times we share the pain of the family as if it were our own.”
