Son of Spanish fashion tycoon Isak Andic arrested for his death

May 19 (UPI) -- The son of the Mango fashion brand founder was arrested in connection with the death of his father in 2024, when he fell into a ravine on a hiking trip.

Police in Catalonia, Spain, arrested Jonathan Andic, 43, the son of fashion tycoon Isak Andic, 71. The death was initially treated as an accident, but police later reopened the investigation.

Media reports about Andic weren't clear about whether the father and son were alone or if there were other family members on the December 2024 hike in the Montserrat mountains near Barcelona, where Isak Andic fell about 110 yards into a ravine to his death.

Jonathan Andic has denied responsibility for his father's death. Since his father died, he has been the vice-chair of Mango's board.

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A family spokesperson confirmed he was being questioned for his father's death, The Guardian reported.

"The cooperation has been, and will remain, total," the spokesperson said.

They said the family won't comment on the investigation.

"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 was born into a Sephardic Jewish family in Istanbul, Turkey, and emigrated to Catalonia in the 1960s. He began selling T-shirts to high school friends, then branched into a wholesale business and sold clothes in street markets. He opened the first Mango store in 1984, and the company now operates nearly 3,000 outlets in 120 countries.

At his death, Forbes estimated Isak Andic's net worth to be $4.5 billion.

Jonathan Isak joined Mango in 2005 and later managed the Mango Man clothing line.

After Isak Andic died, Mango CEO Toni Ruiz said the death would "leave a huge void," the BBC reported. "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."

Historic May moments through the years

Wreathes are seen amongst the statues at the Korean War Veterans Memorial during Memorial Day weekend in Washington on May 27, 2023. Memorial Day, which honors U.S. military personnel who died while in service, is held on the last Monday of May. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo