Quentin Griffiths, the co-founder of online fashion giant ASOS, has died in strange circumstances in Thailand. The 58-year-old multimillionaire was found dead outside his apartment building in Pattaya, having apparently plunged 19 stories from his condominium balcony.
Thai police investigators searched the scene, reporting to the BBC that their initial investigations indicate that Griffiths’ apartment was locked from the inside, there were no signs of a break-in or struggle, and a preliminary autopsy showed no signs of foul play.
Griffiths co-founded ASOS (which means “As Seen On Screen”) in 2000 and successfully rode the early wave of dotcom excitement. It rapidly developed into one of the world’s largest and most lucrative fashion retailers, with its designs being worn by everyone from Rihanna to Michelle Obama.
58-year-old Quentin Griffith founder of online fashion giant Asos plunged to his death in Thailand after falling from his 17th-floor apartmen after coming out as a member of the LGBT. pic.twitter.com/8P9iiQ6ZJs
— EM (@EXECUTIVEXMEDIA) February 20, 2026
For Griffiths, co-founding ASOS should have been a one-way ticket to an easy life. He left the company in 2005 and cashed out by selling 15 million shares in the company in 2010. But, as they famously say, “mo money, mo problems”.
Legal troubles
More recently, Griffiths took his accounting firm BDO to court, arguing they’d cost him £4 million in tax on sales of ASOS and other shares. Beyond that, his personal life wasn’t looking ideal. At the time of his death, Griffiths was in a legal battle with his ex-wife, who had accused him of taking £500,000 from a company they ran together.
She alleged Griffiths had forged documents allowing him to sell land and shares without her knowledge. That saw Griffiths arrested and questioned last year, with the investigation still underway as of yesterday.
Just In: Quentin Griffith the co-founder of ASOS fashion is dead, after mysteriously falling off a 17-storey building in Thailand. He recently accused his ex Thai wife of stealing £500k from their company, she also got him arrested for selling properties, shares without consent. pic.twitter.com/8i1Yi2Ltn3
— Trending Explained (@TrendingEx) February 20, 2026
What exactly happened in Griffiths’ condo is still unknown, though Thai police have underlined that they’re taking into account the “stress” he was under legally. All of which seems like it’s set to lead us to one simple conclusion that I’m sure I don’t need to spell out.
Regardless, there are currently no suspects, and cops aren’t on the hunt for any, so we may simply have to await the coroner’s official verdict. Either way, a sad end to a successful life. Here’s hoping we get some answers soon.
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