‘Unfair and baseless’: Mango founder’s son denies killing his father, steps down as vice president

Jonathan Indyk, the son of late Mango founder Isaac Indyk, has denied allegations of his involvement in his father’s death, calling the accusations “dangerous, unfair and baseless” as he steps down as vice chairman of the fashion giant to focus on his legal defence.In an open letter to staff published on Tuesday, Jonathan Andek said a “biased” and “distorted” narrative had been created around the case after he was arrested in Spain as part of the investigation into his father’s 2024 death.“A public narrative was created based on a biased, distorted and taken-out-of-context point of view, creating a perception of guilt that had no connection to reality,” Indyk, 45, wrote in his first public comments about the case.He added: “I made this decision with sadness, but I am convinced that it is what is best for the company and me. I need to focus all my energy on proving my innocence.”

The mystery behind the death of a mango tycoon

Issac Indyk, founder of global clothing brand Mango, died on December 14, 2024, after falling nearly 500 feet from a cliff in the mountains of Montserrat near Barcelona while hiking with his son.The death was initially treated as a tragic accident. However, prosecutors reopened the investigation in October 2025, focusing on Jonathan Andek after investigators found inconsistencies in his statements and the circumstances surrounding the fall.

Jonathan Andek was arrested last week before being released on bail of 1 million euros ($1.2 million). According to investigators, the area where the fall occurred was part of a relatively easy hiking trail commonly used by families and school children.Authorities reportedly wondered if the nature of the fall matched Jonathan’s description of his father accidentally sliding.Investigators also examined forensic results, which indicated that Isaac Andic’s injuries and body position were not consistent with an accidental fall, according to the BBC.

Police reportedly found inconsistencies in Jonathan Andek’s account of the incident. In one account, he said he was walking in front of his father, while in another he noted that they were closer to each other.He had initially told officers that his father had been taking photos moments before he fell, although investigators later found the phone inside Isaac Andich’s pocket.Authorities also examined three visits Jonathan allegedly made to the site days before the incident, with investigators indicating the trips may have included “planning and site study,” the newspaper reported.Police are also investigating the wider context of the family and business, including reported tensions linked to Isak Andic’s plans to set up a charity.Investigators claimed that text messages between father and son reflected tension in their relationship, and claimed that Jonathan had “emotionally manipulated” his father for “economic goals.”But Jonathan Andek denied any conflict and told investigators that he had a good relationship with his father.Founded in the 1980s, Mango has grown to become one of the largest fashion retailers in Europe, employing more than 16,000 people and generating sales of €3.3 billion in 2024.