Tragic Accident Claims Life of Mango Founder Isak Andic

Isak Andic, the 71-year-old founder of Mango, tragically fell to his death while exploring caves in the Montserrat mountains, prompting tributes from colleagues and officials.

Isak Andic, the 71-year-old billionaire founder of the popular high street fashion brand Mango, passed away on Saturday in a cave accident near Barcelona. Reports from Spanish media indicate that Andic fell into a ravine while hiking in the Montserrat mountain range, an area known for its extensive cave systems. He was hiking alongside his son and other family members when the tragic incident occurred, leading to a substantial emergency response effort.

Born in Turkey, Andic established Mango in Barcelona in 1984 with his brother, Nahman. Since its inception, the brand has grown tremendously, boasting nearly 3,000 retail locations across 120 countries. Forbes estimated his wealth at approximately $4.5 billion, underscoring his significant impact on the fashion industry.

Authorities received emergency calls around 1 pm local time and dispatched a helicopter along with specialized mountain rescue teams to the scene, as reported by El Pais. Yosemite-based Mango's CEO, Toni Ruiz, expressed deep sorrow over Andic's passing, stating, "His departure leaves a huge void but all of us are, in some way, his legacy and the testimony of his achievements."

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also paid tribute to Andic, acknowledging his remarkable contributions and vision that turned Mango into a global fashion powerhouse. Salvador Illa Roca, president of the Catalonia government, shared his dismay over the loss of a committed businessman who played a vital role in elevating Catalonia’s image on the world stage.

Having moved to Catalonia with his family in the 1960s, Andic was serving as the non-executive chairman of Mango at the time of his death, as the company reported a notable turnover of €3.1 billion (£2.6 billion) in 2023. In the competitive fashion landscape, Andic had been noted to have a rivalry with fellow Spanish billionaire Amancio Ortega, founder of Zara. The popularity of Mango notably soared in 2011 when British supermodel Kate Moss was announced as the brand's face, further solidifying its presence in the fashion market.