The founder of high street fashion chain Mango has died in an accident in Spain, the company said.

Isak Andic, a 71-year-old billionaire, died on Saturday, Mango’s chief executive Tony Ruiz said in a statement.

Spanish media reported that the businessman slipped and fell from a cliff while hiking with his family in mountains near Barcelona.

Mr Andic was born in Istanbul, but moved to Catalonia in the 1960s.

He founded Mango in 1984. The brand’s first UK store opened in 1999 and there are now more than 40 standalone branches across the country.

In a statement, Mr Ruiz said: “Isak has been an example for all of us.

“His departure leaves a huge void but all of us are, in some way, his legacy and the testimony of his achievements.

“It is up to us, and this is the best tribute we can make to Isak and which we will fulfil, to ensure that Mango continues to be the project that Isak aspired to and of which he would feel proud.”

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez paid tribute to Mr Andic on social media, lauding his “hard work and business vision that transformed a Spanish brand into a global fashion leader”.

This month, Forbes estimated Mr Andic’s net worth at 4.5 billion dollars (£3.56 billion).

Kate Moss was the face of Mango in 2011, boosting the brand’s popularity in the UK.

Mango now has hundreds of stores in more than 100 countries.