Quentin Griffiths, ASOS Co-Founder, Dies After Fall From 17th-Floor Apartment in Thailand

Quentin Griffiths, one of the original co-founders of British online fashion retailer ASOS, passed away on February 9 after falling from the 17th floor of his apartment building in Pattaya, Thailand. He was 58 years old. Thai authorities confirmed that initial investigations found no evidence of third-party involvement.

According to local police officials, Griffiths fell from the balcony of the 18-storey residential complex located in the seaside resort city of Pattaya. His body was discovered directly beneath the balcony. Law enforcement officers reported that the apartment was locked from the inside, and there were no signs of forced entry.

Investigators conducted a detailed forensic examination, including a post-mortem and review of CCTV footage from the building. Authorities stated that the autopsy revealed no signs of physical assault or struggle. CCTV recordings reportedly showed no one entering or leaving the apartment prior to the incident. Based on the available evidence, police indicated that the circumstances were consistent with suicide.

Ongoing Legal Disputes Prior to Death

Further details emerging from Thai police indicate that documents related to ongoing legal proceedings were found inside the apartment. A police investigator told the BBC that the paperwork pointed to active lawsuits involving Griffiths and his former spouse, a Thai national.

According to reports published by The Sun, Griffiths’ second wife had accused him of embezzling more than USD 673,000 from a company they jointly owned. She also alleged that he falsified documents to sell land shares without her consent. These allegations reportedly led to his arrest and police questioning last year.

Although Griffiths was later released, reports suggest that the investigation into the financial dispute was still ongoing at the time of his death. Media outlets, including the BBC, noted that the estranged couple had been involved in a prolonged legal battle concerning business interests.

Official Statements and Family Support

A spokesperson for ASOS expressed condolences, stating that the company was “deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Quentin, one of our original co-founders,” and acknowledged his contribution to the brand’s early growth and commercial success.

The UK Foreign Office confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the family. In an official statement, a spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British national who has died in Thailand and are in contact with the local authorities.”

Who Was Quentin Griffiths?

Quentin Griffiths co-founded ASOS in London in 2000 alongside Nick Robertson, Andrew Regan, and Deborah Thorpe. The company initially launched under the name “As Seen On Screen”, offering fashion inspired by outfits worn by film and television celebrities. In 2002, the company rebranded to ASOS, the name under which it would achieve global recognition.

ASOS rapidly evolved into one of the United Kingdom’s leading online fashion retailers, expanding into international markets and building a digital-first business model long before e-commerce became mainstream. At its peak, the company was valued at more than €6 billion and later approached a valuation of nearly USD 8 billion.

During its period of explosive growth, ASOS clothing and private-label designs were worn by high-profile figures including former US First Lady Michelle Obama and Catherine, Princess of Wales (formerly Kate Middleton), further elevating the brand’s international profile.

Griffiths served as the company’s marketing director in its formative years and played a critical role in shaping the brand’s early identity and online strategy. Although he stepped away from day-to-day operations in 2004, he remained a significant shareholder for several years.

His passing marks the loss of one of the pioneering figures behind one of Britain’s most influential digital fashion platforms.

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