A prominent British entrepreneur who helped build a global online fashion empire has died in Thailand. The individual, a co-founder of the major retailer ASOS, fell from a high-rise condominium in the coastal city of Pattaya earlier this month, according to local authorities.
Police reports indicate the 58-year-old man fell from the seventeenth floor of an eighteen-story building. Preliminary investigations point toward suicide, with no immediate evidence of criminal activity. Security footage reportedly showed no one else entering his apartment prior to the incident. An autopsy has been ordered.
Officials stated that documents concerning legal disputes were discovered in the residence. A friend of the businessman was quoted as saying he had expressed concerns about lawsuits involving his former spouse, who is a Thai citizen.
The entrepreneur was a key figure in the launch of ASOS in London in 2000. The company, which started as ‘As Seen on Screen’, grew from a market listing in 2001 to become an international fashion powerhouse, its clothing worn by celebrities and public figures worldwide. He departed the business in 2005 but retained a significant stake for years afterward.
Following his time at ASOS, he was involved in launching several other e-commerce ventures, including an online furniture outlet and an ethical clothing website, with varying degrees of success.
A spokesperson for the British government confirmed it is providing support to the family of a citizen who died in Thailand and is in contact with local officials. The company he helped found released a statement expressing sadness at his passing, acknowledging his crucial role in its early history and extending condolences to his loved ones.
