Police in Catalonia have arrested the son of Isak Andic, the founder of the fashion chain Mango, and are questioning him about his father’s death in the mountains near Barcelona almost 18 months ago.
Andic, who was 71, died in December 2024 after apparently falling 100 meters down a ravine while hiking in Montserrat with his son, Jonathan. His death led to tributes from politicians, journalists, and the fashion world.
Although an initial investigation by the Catalan police, the Mossos d’Esquadra, treated it as an accident, officers and judicial sources told El País and La Vanguardia last year that the case was being looked at as a possible homicide.
On Tuesday, the Mossos d’Esquadra said Jonathan Andic, who is now vice-chair of the Mango board, had been arrested. A family spokesperson confirmed he was being questioned about his father’s death.
“The cooperation has been, and will remain, total,” the spokesperson said, adding that the family is confident Jonathan Andic is innocent.
El País reported last year that police had found no direct or clear evidence to explain what happened in the ravine, but had “come across a series of clues which, when taken together, led them to move away from the idea of a simple accident and toward the possibility of a homicide.”
La Vanguardia reported that the judge overseeing the case changed Jonathan Andic’s official status from witness to possible suspect in September last year.
Isak Andic, founder of fashion chain Mango, dies in accident, aged 71
Read more
The Andic family issued a statement to the media at the time, saying: “The Andic family has not and will not comment on Isak Andic’s death in all these months.
“However, they wish to show their respect for the ongoing investigations and will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities, as they have done so far. They are also confident that this process will be concluded as soon as possible and that Jonathan Andic’s innocence will be proved.”
Isak Andic, who was born to a Sephardic Jewish family in Istanbul in 1953, moved to Catalonia with his relatives in the late 1960s and started selling T-shirts to fellow high school students.
He moved on to running a wholesale business and sold clothes in street markets before opening his first Mango store in 1984.
“He saw that we needed colour, style,” Mango’s global retail director, César de Vicente, told Agence France-Presse in March last year.
Andic soon opened dozens more stores across Europe and “realised that having the same name, having the same brand, in all the shops would make the concept much stronger,” added De Vicente.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs regarding the arrest of the son of the Mango fashion chain founder written in a natural clear tone
General Basic Questions
Q What happened
A The son of the founder of the Mango clothing brand was arrested in Spain He is suspected of being involved in his fathers death
Q Who is the person arrested
A He is the son of Isak Andic the billionaire who founded the Mango fashion chain
Q Who is the father who died
A Isak Andic He was the founder and majority owner of Mango
Q How did the father die
A Isak Andic died after falling from a cliff or a steep ravine while hiking with his son near Barcelona
Q Why was the son arrested if it was an accident
A Police are investigating whether the fall was an accident a suicide or if there was some form of involvement by the son The arrest allows them to question him formally as a suspect
Deeper Investigative Questions
Q What is the son accused of specifically
A He is being investigated for possible reckless homicide or involvement in the death The exact charge has not been made public but the investigation focuses on a potential violent death
Q Was the son present when his father fell
A Yes According to reports the father and son were hiking together when the incident occurred The son was the one who called emergency services
Q Why would the police suspect the son if he called for help
A Calling for help is a normal reaction but investigators look at the entire scene They examine the circumstances of the fall the position of the body and the sons statements for any inconsistencies that might suggest the fall was not purely accidental
Q Has the son made any public statements
A No He has not spoken publicly about the incident and his lawyers have advised him to remain silent during the investigation
Q Is the son involved in the Mango company
A Yes he held a position within the company though the details of his role have not been a major focus of the news reports
Practical FollowUp Questions
Q What happens next
