Quentin Griffiths, a co-founder of the online fashion retailer Asos, has died in Thailand after falling from a high-rise balcony. The incident occurred on , in Pattaya, a coastal city in eastern Thailand, and was reported on .
Griffiths, 58, reportedly fell from the 17th floor of a condominium, with his body discovered below the building. Thai police are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, but have stated that there were no immediate signs of a disturbance within the apartment. While foul play has not been ruled out, an initial autopsy revealed no evidence of criminal activity, according to reports.
The case has drawn attention due to several factors, including ongoing legal disputes involving Griffiths. Police investigators indicated that he was involved in two court cases that may have been contributing to stress. A source close to the family described the situation as a “real mystery,” noting the lack of clarity surrounding the events leading to his death.
Griffiths co-founded Asos in 2000, alongside Nick Robertson and Andrew Regan. He served as the company’s marketing director for four years, departing in 2005. Asos subsequently grew into a global fashion retailer valued at £3 billion. Griffiths remained a significant shareholder after leaving the firm, reportedly realizing a profit of £15 million from share sales in 2010, followed by further financial gains in 2013.
In recent years, Griffiths became embroiled in financial and legal challenges. He was reportedly involved in a dispute with his former wife, who alleged he forged documents related to land and company shares. Griffiths denied these accusations and was released after questioning by investigators. The investigation was still active at the time of his death. He had relocated to Thailand approximately two decades ago, marrying a Thai woman after his first divorce, though that marriage later ended.
The circumstances of Griffiths’ death are under scrutiny, with authorities conducting a full post-mortem examination to determine the precise cause of death. This process is expected to take several months. The investigation is complicated by the lack of evidence of forced entry and the fact that the room was locked from the inside.
A spokesman for the UK Foreign Office confirmed that they are providing support to Griffiths’ family and are in contact with local authorities in Thailand. The incident highlights the complexities of international investigations and the challenges faced when investigating deaths abroad.
Griffiths’ career trajectory reflects the rapid growth of the online retail sector in the early 21st century. Asos, initially conceived as an online-only retailer offering affordable fashion, quickly gained popularity, particularly among young consumers. The company’s success was built on a combination of trend-driven merchandise, efficient logistics, and a strong online presence.
Beyond his role at Asos, Griffiths was also involved in the creation of Achica, another online retailer. He later pursued legal action against his accountants, BDO, alleging incorrect tax advice related to share sales from both Asos and Achica. He claimed the erroneous guidance resulted in a tax liability exceeding £4 million on share sales totaling over £10 million.
The case raises questions about the pressures faced by successful entrepreneurs and the potential for legal and financial disputes to escalate. The ongoing investigation will aim to establish the full sequence of events leading to Griffiths’ death and determine whether any criminal activity was involved. The lack of immediate answers adds to the mystery surrounding the tragedy.
