Isak Andic, Mango Founder, Dies in Tragic Cave Accident

The tragic accident claimed the life of Isak Andic, the visionary founder of the internationally recognized fashion chain Mango, who died on Saturday during a family hiking trip in Barcelona’s Montserrat mountain range. The 71-year-old plunged down a 150-meter ravine while exploring deep caves, prompting a swift emergency response, including helicopters and mountain rescue teams. Andic was accompanied by his son and family when the accident occurred, as detailed by Spanish media.

Born in Turkey, Andic established Mango in 1984 with his brother Nahman in Barcelona. Under his leadership, the brand expanded to nearly 3,000 stores across 120 countries, with a reported net worth of $4.5 billion. The announcement of his passing elicited heartfelt tributes, including condolences from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who praised his contributions to the fashion industry. Mango CEO Toni Ruiz expressed that Andic's legacy would continue influencing the company's future endeavors.

Andic's impact on the fashion world was substantial, challenging other giants such as Zara's Amancio Ortega. He had recently stepped down as the non-executive chairman of Mango, which recorded a turnover of €3.1 billion in 2023. The thriving brand gained further popularity after enlisting British model Kate Moss as its ambassador in 2011, cementing its status in the UK fashion scene. The outpouring of grief and respect from both the business community and the public marks the end of an era for Mango and its committed founder.