Isak Andic, 71, was visiting the Collbato Caves in the heart of Spain’s Montserrat mountain when the tragedy happened
One of Spain’s wealthiest people tragically died in a mountain accident. Isak Andic, the magnate behind fashion empire Mango, died after he slipped and fell nearly 500 feet during a family trip near Collbato, Barcelona.
The 71-year-old’s son Jonathan Andic raised the alarm with emergency services but nothing could be done to save his father. Mr. Andic was visiting the Collbato Caves set within the Montserrat mountain range when he fell just after midday on Saturday, December 14. Emergency services, including mountain rescue teams and a helicopter, recovered Mr Andic’s body at around 3.30pm.
Mango CEO Toni Ruiz said: “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.”
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Catalan president Salvador Illa said on X: “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,” reports the Mirror.
Isak Andic established Mango with his brother Nahman in 1984, and by March 2024 the brand had grown to over 14,000 employees across more than 2,700 stores in upwards of 110 countries, including 45 outlets across the UK.
The business acumen of Mr Andic has been widely recognised, with Forbes listing his net worth at a staggering $4.5 billion (£3.5 billion), crowning him as one of the richest individuals in Catalonia and amongst Spain’s billionaires. He has three adult children – Jonathan, Judith and Sarah.
Mr Andic rarely made public appearances or was photographed up until 2007. By 2010, he had become the second richest man in Spain.