ASOS co-founder dies after falling from a multi-storey building in Thailand: troubled personal life before death
Q. Griffiths, co-founder of ASOS, died after a fall from a building in Thailand amid personal troubles.
Thai authorities confirmed that Q. Griffiths, a 62-year-old British citizen and co-founder of ASOS, was found dead on February 9 at a luxury resort in Pattaya, where he had been living as a long-term resident. His body was discovered near the hotel, having fallen from the 17th floor of the building. Police investigations revealed that he was alone at the time of the incident, and the hotel room was locked from the inside without signs of a break-in, indicating that foul play was not a factor.
Prior to his death, Griffiths was reportedly involved in two legal cases that may have caused him significant stress. It was noted that he had recently divorced his Thai wife and was in disputes regarding their joint business, exacerbating his personal troubles. Griffiths co-founded ASOS in London in 2000 alongside Nick Robertson, Andrew Regan, and Deborah Thorpe, and although he stepped back from active roles in the company five years later, he remained a significant shareholder.
The name ASOS originally stood for "As Seen On Screen" and began as a retailer that sold products displayed on screen. Griffiths's sudden death not only raises concerns about his personal struggles but also highlights the pressures faced by successful entrepreneurs in high-stakes environments. His legacy in the fashion retail sector remains influential, but the circumstances surrounding his death could lead to deeper discussions about mental health and well-being among business leaders.