Spain’s most talked-about tragedies, Jonathan Andic, the son and heir of Mango founder Isak Andic, is now being investigated as a suspect in his father’s death nearly a year after the billionaire’s fatal fall.
Isak Andic, 71, died on December 14, 2024, after plunging more than 320 feet while hiking with Jonathan in the Montserrat mountains near Barcelona.
At the time, the incident was ruled an accidental fall.
However, Spanish authorities have now reopened the case due to inconsistencies in Jonathan’s statements, local outlets reported.
According to El País and El Periódico, police have shifted the investigation from an “accidental mountain fall” to a possible homicide.
Jonathan’s status has also been changed from witness to suspect, a move that has stunned Spain’s fashion and business circles.
The father and son were reportedly hiking along Les Feixades trail, a scenic but unfenced path that links the Salnitre caves in Collbató to the Montserrat monastery.
Jonathan allegedly told police he was walking ahead when he heard stones falling behind him, only to turn and see his father fall from the cliff.
However, investigators reportedly found discrepancies in his account, prompting a deeper review.
The Mossos d’Esquadra Catalonia’s regional police are now examining digital evidence, including Jonathan’s phone data, as part of the ongoing inquiry.
A police spokesperson told PEOPLE that “the investigation is under judicial review and is subject to secrecy of proceedings.”
Despite the renewed scrutiny, the Andic family continues to stand by Jonathan.
In a statement shared through Reuters, family representatives said:
“The Andic family has not commented, and will not comment, on Isak Andic’s death. It wishes to show respect for the ongoing proceedings and will continue cooperating fully with the authorities. The family is confident that this process will end soon and that Jonathan Andic’s innocence will be proven.”
Jonathan, 44, currently serves as Vice-Chairman of Mango’s Board, having been long viewed as his father’s successor in the global fashion empire.
Following Isak Andic’s death, Mango CEO Toni Ruiz released an emotional statement mourning the company’s founder.
“It is with deep regret that we announce the unexpected death of Isak Andic, our non-executive chairman and founder of Mango, in an accident that occurred this Saturday,” Ruiz wrote.
“Isak has been an example for all of us. He dedicated his life to Mango, leaving an indelible mark thanks to his strategic vision, inspiring leadership, and unwavering commitment to values that he himself imbued in our company.”
Ruiz added that Andic’s legacy of innovation and leadership would continue to guide the fashion brand he built from a small Barcelona clothing store into a global retail powerhouse.
Although authorities maintain that no solid evidence of foul play has been found so far, the shift in the case’s classification has sparked intense speculation across Spain.
