Mystery of Mango founder's death uncovered, allegedly murdered by son during hike
Jakarta – CNBC Indonesia reports that the death of Mango founder Isak Andic has shocked Spain again. His eldest son, Jonathan Andic, was arrested after a court detected indications that the businessman’s death was not merely an accident during a mountain hike. Jonathan Andic was required to pay bail of €1 million (about Rp18 billion) before being released pending further proceedings. He is accused in connection with his father’s death on 14 December 2024 in the Montserrat mountains, north of Barcelona.
Initially, police treated Isak Andic’s death as a tragic accident. The founder, aged 71 at the time, reportedly fell about 150 metres from a cliff while hiking with Jonathan. However, the inquiry progressed after a judge in Martorell stated there was ‘sufficient evidence’ to suspect that Isak’s death was not an accident and that Jonathan was actively involved and had planned it. Jonathan has denied the allegations.
According to BBC International on Thursday (21 May 2026), in his statement to police Jonathan claimed he was walking ahead as he heard rocks sliding and saw his father fall. But weeks later investigators re-interviewed him for three hours amid several inconsistencies.
Investigators also noted that the location of the fall did not match a typical slip; the route is considered safe and commonly used by families and school groups. The position of the body and the injuries were inconsistent with a standard fall; forensic reports described Isak’s body as appearing to slide with his feet first.
Jonathan’s statements were inconsistent; he sometimes said he was far ahead of his father, and at other times that they were close together. He also claimed his father was taking photographs before the fall, yet Isak’s phone was found in his trouser pocket.
Suspicion grew after it emerged that Jonathan had visited the site on three occasions in the days leading up to the incident. The judge deemed these visits as indicating ‘planning and site study’.
Investigators looked into the father-son relationship, particularly in relation to Mango’s business. Isak Andic planned to form a charitable foundation, which was suspected of provoking tensions. According to the investigating judge, Jonathan is suspected of ‘emotional manipulation’ for economic gain and had shown resentment towards his father.
Jonathan insisted his relationship with his father was good. The Andic family publicly defended him, saying there was no conclusive evidence proving his guilt. Jonathan’s lawyer, Cristóbal Martell, said the murder theory was implausible and would unfairly stigmatise an innocent man.
Isak Andic founded Mango, one of Europe’s largest fashion empires; the Spanish brand now employs more than 16,000 people and reported sales of up to €3.3 billion in 2024.