Isak Andic, one of Spain’s richest men, was killed after slipping and falling nearly 500ft during a family outing in Collbato near Barcelona
One of Spain’s richest men has been killed in a mountain accident, authorities have confirmed.
Isak Andic, owner of the fashion giant Mango, was killed after slipping and falling nearly 500ft during a family outing in Collbato near Barcelona.
The 71-year-old businessman’s son Jonathan alerted the emergency services but there was nothing they could do to save him. Mr Andic was visiting the Collbato Caves in the heart of the magical Montserrat mountain when the tragedy occurred just after midday today.
Mango CEO Tony Ruiz said in a statement that Mr Andic’s death leaves a “huge void”. “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,” he said.
“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. 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.”
Catalan president Salvador Illa said on X, formerly Twitter: “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.”
Turkish immigrant Isak founded Mango along with his brother Nahman in 1984. By March 2024, it had over 14,000 employees working in more than 2,700 stores operating in over 110 countries, with 45 stores in the UK.
Earlier this year Mango announced it was teaming up with Victoria Beckham to launch a new capsule collection to mark its 40th anniversary. Forbes recently estimated Mr Andic’s net worth at $4.5 billion (£3.5 billion), making him Catalonia’s richest men and one of Spain’s wealthiest people. Jonathan was one of his three grown-up children. He had two daughters, Judith and Sarah.
Alberto Nunez Feijoo, the leader of Spain’s opposition People’s Party, said: “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.”
Mr Andic’s son is said to have told the first emergency responders on the scene that he was walking ahead of the businessman when he heard the noise of rocks and sand falling and turned round to see his father plunging into the void. The dead man’s body was recovered around 3.30pm after mountain rescue specialists and a helicopter was mobilised.
Mr Andic owned a private plane which cost him more than £25 million and a 175ft yacht with around the same value. He was planning to have the world’s largest yacht built but U-turned on the idea of Nirvana II before construction of the vessel more than 330ft-long vessel got underway.
His discreet lifestyle meant that until 2007 he didn’t make public appearances and was very difficult to photograph. In the year 2010 he was Spain’s second richest man.