Spanish Police Investigate Death of Mango Founder During Hike

Police in Spain have said their investigation into the death last year of the Mango clothing chain's founder Isak Andic remains open. Multiple reports by Spanish media state that his son has become a suspect. Andic, 71, died in December after plunging more than 300 feet while hiking with his eldest son Jonathan in the Montserrat mountains near Barcelona.

Police initially ruled the death accidental.

Police are now investigating Jonathan for a possible homicide, Spain's major daily newspaper El Pais reported on Thursday, citing different sources with knowledge of the investigation. Jonathan, who was the only person with his father at the time of the incident, has provided inconsistent testimony in two declarations, which has fueled suspicion, authorities said, according to El Pais and other outlets.

The family rejected the suggestion of any responsibility by Andic's son. In a statement cited by the Reuters news agency, the family said it would continue to cooperate with the competent authorities and trusts that the process will prove Jonathan Andic's innocence.

Andic is listed as the Vice-Chairman of the Mango Board on the company's website. His duties have included supervising the Communication and Image department and the head of the group's Interior Design and Construction Management. Catalan regional police sources confirmed an investigation was still ongoing, the French news agency AFP said, though they declined to provide any further details, citing judicial secrecy laws.

The Barcelona-based daily newspaper La Vanguardia, also citing sources with knowledge of the investigation, said the investigating judge formally changed Jonathan's status from witness to suspect in late September, and that police were poring over the contents of his cell phone.

The newspapers said police cited the testimony of Isak Andic's partner, professional golfer Estefania Knuth, who described strained relations between the father and son. The trail Isak Andic and his son were walking along links the Salnitre caves in Collbato with the Montserrat monastery and is a relatively easy route that's popular with families during the weekends.