The family of Mango founder Isak Andic, who died after falling from a cliff, say his son is innocent – and did not play any part in the tragedy.
It comes after several local media outlets in Spain reported that Mr Andic’s death was being investigated as a possible homicide.
The billionaire founder of the fashion chain reportedly slipped and fell from a 150-metre cliff while hiking in the Monserrat caves, near Barcelona, last December.
La Vanguardia newspaper reported late on Thursday that one element the judge looking into Mr Andic’s death was investigating was contradictory statements Mr Andic’s son Jonathan gave as a witness, and that authorities were searching his phone for more evidence.
However, the newspaper reported that, during the 10-month probe, investigators had not found any conclusive evidence linking Jonathan to his father’s death.
Barcelona court’s press office said on Friday that the case, which is still sealed, wasn’t directed at any particular individual.
The Andic family said it expected Jonathan to be proven innocent.
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According to La Vanguardia, a statement from them read: “The Andic family has not and will not comment on Isak Andic’s death in all these months.
“However, they wish to show their respect for the ongoing investigations and will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities, as they have done so far.
“They are also confident that this process will be concluded as soon as possible and that Jonathan Andic’s innocence will be proved.”
Seen as a rival of Zara founder Amancio Ortega, Istanbul-born Isak Andic moved to Catalonia in northeastern Spain in the 1960s and founded Mango in 1984.
Son appointed board vice-president
At the time of his death, he was non-executive chairman of the fashion brand and worth $4.5bn (£3.6bn), according to Forbes.
Jonathan Andic was appointed vice-president of the board of the privately held company on his father’s death and president of its holding company MNG.
His sisters Judith and Sarah were named as vice presidents of MNG.
Sky News has contacted Mango for a comment.
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