Billionaire fashion icon dies in freak accident
Billionaire fashion icon Isak Andic has passed away in a freak accident aged 71.
The founder of Spanish clothing retailer Mango, one of Europe's largest fashion groups, was hiking with his family members in the Montserrat caves near Barcelona when he fell 100 metres from a cliff.
Police confirmed his death after they were called at around 1pm local time on Saturday. Local media outlet El Pais reported that a helicopter and specialised mountain unit were sent to the scene.
"Isak has been an example for all of us. He dedicated his life to Mango, leaving an indelible mark thanks to his strategic vision, his inspiring leadership and his unwavering commitment to values that he himself imbued in our company, Mango’s CEO, Toni Ruiz, said in a statement.
“His legacy reflects the achievements of a business project marked by success, and also by his human quality, his proximity and the care and affection that he always had and at all times conveyed to the entire organisation.
“His departure leaves a huge void but all of us are, in some way, his legacy and the testimony of his achievements,” he added.
“It is up to us … to ensure that Mango continues to be the project that Isak was ambitious and proud of.”
"In these extremely difficult times we share the pain of the family as if it were our own," he concluded in the statement posted onto the fashion brand's website.
Andic was born in Istanbul, Turkey in 1953 before emigrating to Spain with his family in 1969.
He created the fashion line with the help of his brother, Nahman, in Barcelona in 1984, with the brand now operating almost 3,000 outlets in 120 countries.
Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, paid tribute to the businessman on social media, saying “My condolences to the family of Isak Andic, founder of Mango, on his tragic death in an accident in the Salnitre de Collbató caves."
“All my love and recognition for your great work and business vision, which has turned this Spanish firm into a world leader in fashion."
Image: Mango Website