Shock twist as billionaire fashion mogul’s son faces homicide probe
Spain’s fashion world is reeling. There has been a stunning development in the death of Isak Andic. He was the billionaire founder of the global clothing brand Mango. Jonathan Andic, his 44-year-old son, is now under official investigation. This is for possible homicide. It comes ten months after his father’s tragic fall from a mountain near Barcelona.
The two had been hiking together in the rugged terrain of Montserrat. This mountain range is known for its breathtaking cliffs and dangerous paths. It was supposed to be a peaceful father-and-son outing. Instead, it ended in one of Spain’s most shocking mysteries.
A fatal fall that changed everything
On December 14, 2024, the 71-year-old mogul fell nearly 500 feet. He died in the area of Collbató. It is a small town about 30 miles from Barcelona. Jonathan was the only person with him when it happened.
At first, investigators treated the fall as a terrible accident. Isak was a seasoned businessman but not a mountain climber. He had been walking behind his son. Then he suddenly disappeared from view. Jonathan reportedly told police he heard loose stones tumble, turned around, and saw his father had vanished over the edge.
“He called for help right away,” a police source said at the time. “It looked like a tragic misstep on a steep trail.”
But as months passed, small inconsistencies began to surface. And now, what started as a simple accident investigation has turned into something far more sinister.
The investigation takes a dark turn
A judge in Martorell, near Barcelona, quietly reopened the case in March after initially closing it for lack of evidence. Police had found nothing criminal. Yet new details — and contradictions in Jonathan’s story — have pushed authorities to dig deeper.
This week, Spanish media confirmed that Jonathan’s legal status has changed. He is no longer just a witness. He is now being investigated for possible homicide.
So far, he has not been charged. But under Spanish law, being named an “investigado” allows police to conduct more invasive searches. These include a deep forensic review of his phone, movements, and communications.
“The judge’s decision,” one insider told El País, “was driven by contradictions in his statements and the complex father-son relationship.”
Tensions and contradictions
Jonathan reportedly told officers conflicting details about the day of the fall. He said he parked his car in one place, but police later found it elsewhere. He claimed not to have taken photos of the area — but investigators discovered he did.
These inconsistencies, though small, have raised big questions.
One of the key testimonies came from Estefanía Knuth, a former professional golfer and Isak’s longtime partner. She told investigators that the relationship between father and son was often tense. Sources close to the case say her testimony “highlighted serious personal conflicts.”
According to El País, the two men had argued over control of parts of the Mango empire. They also had disputes about future business plans. Still, there’s no direct evidence linking Jonathan to his father’s fall.
A family under scrutiny
The Andic family, one of Spain’s wealthiest, has chosen silence. In a rare statement, a spokesperson said:
“The Andic family has not made any comments regarding the death of Isak Andic. It will not make comments in the future. However, it wishes to show its respect for the proceedings and will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities. The family remains confident that Jonathan’s innocence will be proven.”
Friends of the family describe the past months as “a nightmare.” One family friend said, “They’re grieving and at the same time facing intense public scrutiny. It’s unbearable.”
The judge has now placed a secrecy order on the case, which limits how much information officials can share.
From immigrant to empire builder
Isak Andic’s story was the stuff of legend. Born in Turkey, he moved to Spain with nothing and built a billion-dollar empire from scratch. In 1984, he and his brother Nahman founded Mango, which grew into one of the world’s most recognizable fashion brands.
By 2024, Mango had 14,000 employees. It operated 2,700 stores. Mango was present in over 110 countries. This included 45 stores in the UK.
Isak’s low-profile demeanor stood in contrast to his enormous success. For years, he refused interviews and avoided the spotlight. Until 2007, there were hardly any photos of him.
According to Forbes, he was worth around $4.5 billion before his death, making him Catalonia’s richest man. He owned a $25 million private jet. He also had a 175-foot yacht. He had plans for an even larger one but abandoned the project.
Shockwaves in the fashion world
News of Isak’s death last December stunned the fashion industry. Tributes poured in from political and business leaders across Spain.
Catalan president Salvador Illa wrote on X:
“Devastated by the loss of Isak Andic, a committed businessman who helped make Catalonia great. He leaves an indelible mark on global fashion.”
Mango’s CEO Tony Ruiz released a heartfelt statement to employees:
“Isak dedicated his life to Mango. His strategic vision and human warmth shaped our company. His passing leaves a huge void, but we will honor him by continuing the project he built.”
The brand had just celebrated its 40th anniversary. It collaborated with Victoria Beckham on a capsule collection. Despite these achievements, it was shaken to its core.
What really happened on that mountain?
Investigators say the truth remains elusive. Despite months of work, no direct evidence points to foul play. Still, the inconsistencies and strained family ties keep fueling suspicion.
Police continue to reconstruct the timeline of that December morning. They are determining where the men parked. They investigate how long they hiked. They also trace the exact path they took. Witnesses in the area have been re-questioned. So far, no new eyewitnesses have come forward.
A police source told reporters: “We may never know what truly happened that day. But we will keep investigating until every question is answered.”
The unanswered questions
- Why did Jonathan give conflicting statements?
- What caused the tension between father and son?
- Could the fall have been an accident after all?
- And most importantly — will investigators ever find proof one way or the other?
For now, Spain waits. A billionaire is dead. His son stands under suspicion. And a family once known for its privacy is now caught in the center of a public tragedy.
‘A tragic story that won’t fade soon’
As the case unfolds, the Andic family’s pain remains raw. The global fashion world mourns the loss of a self-made icon. Yet behind the glossy storefronts of Mango, a darker story is emerging. It is filled with questions and grief. A mystery refuses to rest.
