Isak Andic, the founder and former president of the Mango fashion empire, died in December after plunging more than 300 feet while hiking with his eldest son Jonathan in the Montserrat mountains near Barcelona. What authorities initially ruled an accident is now under scrutiny as Spanish media report that Jonathan has become a suspect in his father's death.
Background
The Istanbul-born Andic, 71, was one of Spain's wealthiest individuals, with Forbes estimating his and his family's net worth at $4.5 billion. He built Mango from its first Barcelona shop opened in 1984 into a global fashion powerhouse generating nearly $4 billion in revenue in 2024 alone, with presence in more than 120 markets and over 16,400 employees worldwide.
According to multiple Spanish media outlets including El Pais and La Vanguardia, Jonathan Andic was the only person present when his father fell. The pair had been hiking a trail connecting the Salnitre caves in Collbato to the Montserrat monastery—a route described as relatively easy and popular with families on weekends.
The French news agency AFP confirmed that Catalan regional police sources acknowledged an ongoing investigation but declined further comment, citing judicial secrecy laws.
The Investigation
El Pais reported that authorities are investigating Jonathan for possible homicide, citing sources with knowledge of the investigation. According to the newspapers, Jonathan provided "inconsistent" testimony in two declarations, which has "fueled suspicion."
La Vanguardia, also citing sources familiar with the probe, said an investigating judge formally changed Jonathan's status from witness to suspect in late September 2025. Police are examining contents of his cell phone as part of the investigation.
Prosecutors have reportedly considered testimony from Isak Andic's partner, professional golfer Estefania Knuth, who described strained relations between father and son prior to the incident.
The family has rejected any suggestion of responsibility by Jonathan. In a statement cited by Reuters, the family said it would "continue to cooperate, as it has done until now, with the competent authorities" and expressed trust "that this process will be concluded as soon as possible and that it will prove Jonathan Andic's innocence."
Jonathan, listed as Vice-Chairman of Mango's Board on the company's website, had supervised the Communication and Image department and Interior Design and Construction Management divisions.
Key Takeaways
- Isak Andic fell more than 300 feet while hiking with his son in December; death was initially ruled accidental
- Judge formally changed Jonathan's status from witness to suspect in late September, according to Spanish media reports
- Police are reportedly examining Jonathan's cell phone and investigating inconsistencies in his testimony
- The family denies any responsibility and asserts confidence that the investigation will prove innocence
- Andic was a billionaire fashion magnate whose Mango brand operates in more than 120 markets worldwide
What's Next
The investigation remains active under judicial secrecy orders. Catalan authorities have not disclosed specific charges filed, if any, or indicated when they might reach a determination. The case represents an unusual development in what was originally classified as a hiking accident involving a prominent business figure.