Son of Mango fashion chain founder arrested over death of father

It comes after the businessman died in a freak hiking incident.

Catalonian police have arrested the son of Isak Andic, founder of fashion chain Mango, and are questioning him over his death.

Andic was 71 when he died in December 2024 after falling 100 metres down a ravine while hiking in the Spanish mountain range of Montserrat with his son, Jonathan.

His death prompted tributes from politicians, journalists and the fashion world.

Initial investigations described the incident as an accident, however, officers and judicial sources told El País and La Vanguardia last year that the case was being treated as a possible homicide.

Today, Catalan police (Mossos d'Esquadra) said that Jonathan Andic had been arrested.

A spokesperson for the Andic family confirmed that he was being questioned over his father’s death.

Since their father's death, 95% of the company is controlled by Andic's three children, Jonathan, Judith and Sarah.

Last year, El País said police had not been able to conclude what had happened at the ravine, but had “come across a series of clues which, when taken together, had led them to move away from the idea of a mere accident and toward the possibility of a homicide”.

Isak Andic. Getty.

Shortly after Andic's death in 2024, Mango's CEO, Tony Ruiz, posted a statement to the company website.

The statement read: "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 organization.

"His departure leaves a huge void but all of us are, in some way, his legacy and the testimony of his achievements," Ruiz added. "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."

The Turkish-born businessman founded Mango with the help of his brother, Nahman,in Barcelona in 1984. The chain now operates almost 3,000 outlets in 120 countries.

The brand's popularity in the UK was boosted in 2011 when British model Kate Moss was announced as the face of Mango.

At the time, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed Andic died in an accident at the Salnitre de Collbató caves.

"All my love and recognition for your great work and business vision, which has turned this Spanish firm into a world leader in fashion," Sanchez said.