Isak Andic, the 71-year-old founder and executive president of the fashion retailer Mango, tragically lost his life on Saturday during a family hiking trip near the caves of Collbató, located within the Montserrat mountain range, just outside of Barcelona. Andic's unexpected death has sent shockwaves through the Spanish business and political communities, where he was regarded as one of the industry's giants.
The accident occurred when Andic was hiking with his eldest son, Jonathan, who was reportedly slightly ahead on the trail. During their hike, Andic slipped and fell approximately 150 meters down a steep ravine. This tragic event unfolded around noon when Jonathan hurriedly called for help at approximately 12:39 PM, said sources from the Generalitat's fire service.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, including multiple patrols from the Mossos d'Esquadra, fire crews, and even airlift support to recover Andic’s body. The family had chosen to hike without the usual presence of security personnel, as Andic had requested for this outing to be private. His partner, Estefanía Knuth, who is well-known for her successful golfing career, was not present during the hike but arrived at the location shortly after the incident was reported, joining Jonathan upon the authorities' arrival.
Witnessing such tragic circumstances, Jonathan later recounted his harrowing experience of hearing rocks and debris fall, followed by seeing his father plunge down the cliff. "He was simply there one moment and gone the next, and there wasn't anything I could do to help him," Jonathan shared with the police as they processed the scene.
This tragic loss is compounded by the fact it occurred just days after Andic celebrated the 40th anniversary of Mango, which he founded back in 1984. The festive event, held at the Palau Sant Jordi, brought together numerous employees, and Andic was seen mingling and celebrating with his team, reinforcing his reputation for being approachable and personable.
Andic's rise to prominence was built on his dedication, strategic business practices, and fierce commitment to leveraging fashion innovation. Under his leadership, Mango expanded to over 2,700 stores across more than 115 markets, positioning itself as one of Spain's most successful fashion chains. But beyond his business acumen, Andic was known for his philanthropic efforts, often supporting various charitable organizations, which included quietly donating to causes focused on alleviating social issues.
Throughout his life, Andic maintained close ties with his family, which included three children with his first wife, Neus Raig: Jonathan, Judith, and Sarah. Andic had been involved with Knuth since 2018, and those close to them noted the stability and happiness their relationship brought to his life. Knuth is recognized not only for her commendable sports career but also for her active roles in the real estate sector and her commitment to various social causes.
Not one to flaunt his wealth, Andic was reported to enjoy relaxing moments aboard his yacht, the Nirvana Formentera, recognized as the largest privately owned yacht in Spain. He often shared this love of sailing and the sea with Knuth and his children, creating treasured family memories far from the hustle of the business world.
Andic was deeply private, often shunning the limelight; he rarely engaged with the media and preferred to let his achievements speak for themselves. This reticence, paired with his recent engagement with international events, showed how he selectively balanced personal boundaries with public appearances. When asked for insight on his business philosophy, he shared, "Work hard, surround yourself with a good team, and the rest will follow."
Following Andic's passing, Mango released a heartfelt statement, which conveyed the enormity of the loss felt within the company: "His departure leaves an enormous void, but all of us are, in some way, his legacy and the testimony of his achievements. It is our responsibility to honor him by ensuring Mango continues as the visionary project he ardently pursued.”
The aftermath of this sudden loss has left his sons contemplating not only their grief but also the future. Jonathan is preparing for his upcoming wedding, which had always included hopes for his father’s presence to celebrate this new chapter.
The legacy of Isak Andic will long endure, intertwined with the future of Mango and reflected through the lives of his children—all of whom, as they navigate this difficult time, embody his values and his vision for success both personally and professionally. Though he is gone, Andic's impact on the industry and his family's lives will remain firmly planted as they forge ahead without him.