THE billionaire founder of fashion giant Mango has tragically died after suffering a horrifying fall down a mountain.
Isak Andic, one of Spain’s richest men, was reportedly found dead after he slipped and fell nearly 500ft on a family trip in Collbato, Catalonia.
AFPBillionaire businessman Isak Andic has tragically died in Catalonia[/caption]
GettyAndic at a Mango collection launch back in 2011[/caption]
RexThe 71-year-old was the billionaire founder of fashion giant Mango[/caption]
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 visiting the Collbato Caves in the heart of the magical Montserrat mountain – just outside Barcelona – when the tragedy took place just after midday today.
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 around 3.30pm.
Officials 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.
Illa said: “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.”
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 had three children, including Jonathan, and a number of grand-kids.
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.”
Andic with model Kate Moss at a Mango eventGetty
GettyAndic was said to have been one of Spain’s richest men[/caption]
GettyThe billionaire with his wife[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
