Isak Andic died in December last year and now his sone Jonathan is 'under investigation' over the incident, although no formal charges have yet been made
The investigation into the death of billionaire Mango owner, Isak Andic, has taken a shocking turn as his son, Jonathan, is now under formal investigation on suspicion of homicide. Jonathan was the sole companion of the 71 year old tycoon when he tragically fell nearly 500ft during a mountain walk near Barcelona last December.
Initially, the judge overseeing the case had temporarily closed the investigation after finding no evidence to suggest that the entrepreneur's death was criminal. However, in March, the judge, based at a court in Martorell near Barcelona, reopened the probe into Mr Andic's death on December 14, 2024, in Collbato, close to the Catalan capital.
Despite police sources maintaining that they were treating the incident as an accident, Spanish media reported a startling development overnight.
Jonathan, who had been questioned twice as a witness over the tragedy, is now being investigated on suspicion of homicide. At this stage, he has not been formally charged with any crime.
A family spokesperson seemed to confirm the development, stating last night: "The Andic family has not made any comments over the past few months regarding the death of Isak Andic, nor will it do so in the future. However, it wishes to show its respect for the proceedings that have been carried out in this regard and will continue to cooperate with the competent authorities as it has done until now. It is also confident that this process will be concluded as soon as possible and that Jonath "Jonathan Andic's innocence will be proven.
Jonathan Andic was the only witness to his father's tragic fall. Reports from the time of the fatal incident involving one of Spain's wealthiest men, later confirmed by police sources, stated that his son was walking ahead of him and turned around upon hearing the sound of falling stones, only to find his father had tumbled over the edge of the footpath.
He was questioned for over three hours as a witness at a police station in the town of Martorell on 31 January about the circumstances surrounding his affluent father's death, after giving an immediate statement following the tragedy. Police also interrogated the Mango co-founder's partner Estefania Knuth, the last person besides Mr Andic's chauffeur and his son to see him alive, as well as a local police officer who attended the scene.
The decision to alter Jonathan's judicial status, reportedly made just over two weeks ago but only revealed overnight, is believed to have allowed police to intensify their examination of his mobile phone as part of the ongoing investigation. Contradictions in Mr Andic's son's two statements and the "complex" relationship between the businessman and his son are said to be behind the judge's decision to place him under formal investigation.
It has been previously reported that he told officers he had parked his car in one location and it was found in another, or that he hadn't taken photos of the area when he actually had.
Mr Andic and his son were visiting the Collbato Caves in the heart of the magical. The tragedy unfolded on Monserrat mountain.Isak, a Turkish immigrant, along with his brother Nahman, established Mango in 1984.By March 2024, the brand had grown to employ over 14,000 staff across more than 2,700 stores in over 110 countries, including 45 outlets in the UK.
In a landmark move last year, Mango announced a collaboration with Victoria Beckham to launch a new capsule collection celebrating its 40th anniversary. Forbes estimated Mr Andic's net worth at $4.5 billion shortly before his passing, making him not only Catalonia's richest man but also one of Spain's wealthiest individuals.His extravagant possessions included a private plane and a 175ft yacht, each valued at over £25 million.
He had plans for the construction of the world's largest yacht, dubbed Nirvana II, but reversed his decision before the building of the more than 330ft-long vessel began.Known for his discreet lifestyle, he avoided public appearances until 2007 and was notoriously difficult to photograph.In 2010, he held the title of Spain's second richest man.He leaves behind three adult children: Jonathan and two daughters, Judith and Sarah.
Upon hearing of Mr Andic's death, Catalan president Salvador Illa expressed his sorrow on X, saying: "Devastated by the loss of Isak Andic, a committed businessman who with his leadership has contributed to making Catalonia great and projecting it to the world.
"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."
Mango CEO Tony Ruiz expressed in a statement: "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 fulfil, 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. ".