Isak Andic, the Spanish-based businessman and founder of fashion chain Mango, has passed away at the age of 71.
In a statement signed by Mango CEO Toni Ruiz, the company disclosed that Andic died in an accident on Saturday while exploring caves near Barcelona.
“His departure leaves a huge void but all of us are, in some way, his legacy and the testimony of his achievements,” the statement reads in part.
“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.”
Andic, who served as the company’s non-executive chairman, fell down a ravine of more than 320 feet in the area of the Collbató caves of Salnitre to his death while hiking in caves that are part of a mountain range.
Reacting to Andic’s demise via X, Pedro Sanchez, the prime minister of Spain, wrote: “All my affection, and recognition for your great work and business vision, which has turned this Spanish brand into a world reference in fashion”.
Born to a Sephardic Jewish family in Istanbul, Turkey, in October 1953, Andic’s family relocated to Barcelona in 1969.
He and his brother Nahman began selling hand-embroidered ‘made-in-Turkey’ T-shirts and clogs.
Andic founded Mango with Nahman’s help in Barcelona in 1984 and the chain now operates almost 3,000 outlets in 120 countries. Forbes estimated Andic’s net worth to be $4.5bn (£3.6bn).
Andic was divorced from Neus Raig Tarragó with whom he had three children.
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