Quentin Griffiths, co-founder of British online fashion giant ASOS, has died in Thailand after falling from the balcony of his hotel room, local authorities and his family confirmed on Thursday.
Griffiths, 61, was on holiday in the popular resort destination of Phuket when the incident occurred. Police said he was found at the base of a building early Thursday after apparently falling from a higher floor. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene. Local officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fall but have not yet labelled it suspicious.
Born in the United Kingdom, Griffiths co-founded ASOS in 2000 alongside Nick Robertson, Alec Wolf, and Deborah Thorpe, helping to build it into one of the world’s leading online fashion retailers, known for its trend-driven clothing and global reach. ASOS rapidly expanded in the early 2000s, particularly among young consumers, and became a staple of e-commerce fashion.
“He was a visionary entrepreneur who helped shape the online fashion world,” a family statement said, paying tribute to Griffiths’s career and influence. “Quentin was passionate about creativity and innovation, and he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire.” The family requested privacy as they grieve his loss.
Authorities said Griffiths had been travelling with friends, though no other injuries were reported. Phuket police said they were reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses as part of their ongoing inquiries. They added that no foul play had been suspected at this stage, but investigations were continuing.
Local emergency services responded after a passerby alerted police to the incident. Toxicology reports and further forensic analysis are expected in the coming days to help clarify the exact cause of the fall, authorities said.
Griffiths’s death comes at a time when ASOS has been navigating a challenging retail environment, with the company recently restructuring operations in response to shifting global fashion trends and economic pressures. Industry analysts highlighted Griffiths’s role in ASOS’s early growth and success, particularly in building its brand identity and online platform.
Tributes from across the fashion and retail sectors began pouring in following the news of his passing. Many described him as an innovator who helped define the early era of online retail.
Originally Published By: Reuters
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