Mango Fashion Group founder Isak Andic died on Saturday, December 14, after an “unexpected” accident. He was 71.
Toni Ruiz, the CEO of Mango, announced Andic’s death in a statement shared via the brand’s website.
“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, his inspiring leadership and his unwavering commitment to values that he himself imbued in our company.”
The statement added, “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 organization. His departure leaves a huge void but all of us are, in some way, his legacy and the testimony of his achievements.”
Ruiz further noted that the remaining members of the Mango team will “ensure that [the brand] 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,” the note concluded.
Andic had fallen to his death while hiking in Barcelona, according to CNN. Local police told the outlet they received notice that a 71-year-old man fell down a ravine, more than 320 feet in the air, near the Collbató caves of Salnitre. Law enforcement units were deployed to the area to retrieve the body, CNN reports. Police sources later told the outlet that the body belonged to Andic.
Spanish officials have also paid tribute to Andic’s death.
“All my affection, and recognition for your great work and business vision, which has turned this Spanish brand into a world reference in fashion,” prime minister Pedro Sanchez wrote.
Mango is one of the largest fashion retailers in Europe, with stores located in over 120 markets.
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