(Photo credit: AP)
Jonathan Andic, son of late Mango founder Isak Andic has denied allegations that he was involved in his father’s death, calling the accusations “serious, unjust and unfounded” as he stepped down as vice president of the fashion giant’s board to focus on his legal defence.In an open letter to employees published on Tuesday, Jonathan Andic said a “biased” and “distorted” narrative had been created around the case following his arrest in Spain as part of the investigation into his father’s 2024 death.”A public narrative has been created based on a view that is biased, distorted and taken out of context, which has created a perception of guilt that has nothing to do with reality,” Andic, 45, wrote in his first public comments on the case.”I make this decision sadly, but convinced that it is what’s best for the company and for me… I need to concentrate all my energy on demonstrating my innocence,” he added.
The mystery behind Mango tycoon’s death
Isak Andic, founder of global clothing brand Mango, died on December 14, 2024, after falling nearly 500 feet from a cliff in the Montserrat mountains near Barcelona while hiking with his son.The death was initially treated as a tragic accident. However, prosecutors reopened the investigation in October 2025, focusing on Jonathan Andic after investigators allegedly found inconsistencies in his statements and the circumstances surrounding the fall. Jonathan Andic was arrested last week before being released on bail of one million euros ($1.2 million). According to investigators, the area where the fall occurred was part of a relatively easy hiking route commonly used by families and schoolchildren.Authorities reportedly questioned whether the nature of the fall matched Jonathan’s description of his father slipping accidentally.Investigators also examined forensic findings, which reportedly suggested the injuries and position of Isak Andic’s body were inconsistent with an accidental fall, according to BBC. Police reportedly found discrepancies in Jonathan Andic’s account of the incident. In one version, he said he had been walking ahead of his father, while in another he indicated they were much closer together.He had also initially told officers that his father was taking photographs moments before the fall, though investigators later found the phone inside Isak Andic’s pocket.Authorities further examined three visits Jonathan allegedly made to the site days before the incident, with investigators suggesting the trips may have involved “planning and study of the site”, the outlet reported.Police are also probing the broader family and business context, including reported tensions linked to Isak Andic’s plans to establish a charitable foundation.Investigators alleged that text messages between father and son reflected strain in their relationship and claimed Jonathan had exercised “emotional manipulation” over his father for “economic objectives”.Jonathan Andic, however, has denied any conflict and told investigators that he shared a good relationship with his father.Founded in the 1980s, Mango grew into one of Europe’s largest fashion retailers, employing more than 16,000 people and generating turnover of €3.3 billion in 2024.
