Asos co-founder dies after Thailand balcony fall
BBC World
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Asos co-founder Quentin Griffiths tragically died after falling from a high-rise apartment in Pattaya, Thailand, on February 9. Police confirmed that Griffiths, a British national, was found deceased outside a luxury hotel where he had been staying as a long-term resident. His room was locked from the inside with no signs of forced entry, and an autopsy revealed no evidence of foul play. Griffiths, who co-founded Asos in 2000 and remained a significant shareholder until his departure five years later, was reportedly involved in two ongoing court cases that may have contributed to his stress.
Griffiths played a pivotal role in the founding of Asos, which initially stood for "As Seen On Screen" and grew into a global online fashion marketplace. The company, valued at over £6 billion at its peak, stocks hundreds of brands and features both private-label products and curated collections. Griffiths co-founded the business alongside Nick Robertson, Andrew Regan, and Deborah Thorpe in London, and under his leadership, Asos became a dominant player in the online fashion industry.
Griffiths' death comes amid reports of personal struggles, including a legal dispute with his ex-wife, a Thai national, over their shared business. These circumstances may have contributed to his stress, though no conclusive cause for his fall has been identified. The incident has left many questioning the events surrounding his passing and its potential connection to these disputes.
The case has drawn attention not only for Griffiths' prominence in the fashion industry but also for the mysterious circumstances of his death. While the autopsy ruled out foul play, questions remain about what led to his fall from the 17th floor suite he was staying in. The incident highlights the challenges faced by high-profile individuals juggling personal and professional pressures.
Griffiths' legacy as a co-founder of Asos remains intact, with the company continuing to thrive under its current leadership. His passing has left his family, friends, and business associates grappling with loss and unanswered questions. For readers interested in global news and the
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/20/2026