Son of billionaire Fashion CEO a ‘suspect’ in his father’s death while walking
The son of the billionaire founder of Mango fashion house went from witness to suspect in the shocking death of his father last year, RadarOnline.com can report.
Isak Andic died last December in what was then called a terrible hiking accident.
Isak and his eldest son, Jonathan Andic, 44, were walking along a popular trail in the Montserrat mountains near Barcelona when Jonathan claimed he heard the sound of falling rocks behind them.
Initial reports say the son turned around just in time to see his 71-year-old father fall more than 300 feet off a cliff onto an unfenced portion of the trail.
Police initially ruled the death an accident, but inconsistencies in Jonathan’s version of events continued to surface and investigators now have more questions than answers.
Now, after a ten-month investigation, the investigation is being treated as a possible murder – and Jonathan is the prime suspect.
Local police are now searching the son’s phone for possible evidence, including photos of the scene that may have been deleted, his call logs and where exactly the two were walking before Isak’s death.
Jonathan told police he was walking directly in front of his father when he heard the rocks falling, but sources familiar with the investigation say his version of events may not match forensic evidence from the site.
Among the inconsistencies, Jonathan told officers in witness statements that he left his car in one place, while it was later found in another area. He also allegedly lied about not taking any photos of the area, when in fact he had.
More questions arose when Isak’s 52-year-old girlfriend, Spanish professional golfer Estefanía Knuth, told authorities that “the relationship between father and son was bad.”
Jonathan was appointed vice president of Mango’s board after his father’s death. Family representatives have maintained his innocence, saying in a statement: “The Andic family has not, and will not, comment on the death of Isak Andic.
“It wishes to show respect for the ongoing proceedings and will continue to fully cooperate with the authorities. The family is confident that this trial will end quickly and that Jonathan Andic’s innocence will be proven.”
Isak founded Mango in 1984 and was reportedly worth about $4.5 billion when he died. A statement from the company at the time said: “It is with great regret that we announce the unexpected death of Isak Andic, our non-executive chairman and founder of Mango, in an accident.
“Isak has been an example to all of us. He dedicated his life to Mango and left an indelible mark thanks to his strategic vision, his inspiring leadership and his unwavering dedication to the values he himself brought to our company. His legacy reflects the achievements of a business project characterized by success, but also by his human quality, his closeness and the care and affection he has always had and has always conveyed to the entire organization.”
The statement continued: “His departure leaves a huge void, but we are all in a sense his legacy and the testimony of his achievements. It is up to us, and this is the best tribute we can pay to Isak, and that we will fulfill, to ensure that Mango remains the project that Isak aspired to and would be proud of.”
The company, which has 2,700 stores in 120 markets around the world, set a personal record in sales last year, bringing in more than $3.8 billion.
