Asos co-founder Quentin Griffiths dies after Thailand balcony fall, autopsy finds no foul play
Quentin Griffiths, a co-founder of asos, has died after falling from a high-rise suite in Pattaya, Thai police have named him as the man found dead outside a luxury hotel. The discovery and an autopsy finding no evidence of foul play have focused attention on his business legacy and ongoing legal disputes that authorities say may have been a source of stress.
Asos: legacy, stake and company origins
Griffiths co-founded the company in 2000 and left five years later but remained a significant shareholder. The business originally stood for As Seen On Screen and grew into an online fashion marketplace stocking hundreds of brands as well as its own lines. At one time it was valued at more than £6bn. The evolution from a niche concept to a major online retailer marks Griffiths's role in shaping early digital fashion retail.
Circumstances of the death and investigation
Thai police say Griffiths was found on the ground outside a luxury hotel where he had been staying as a long-term resident in a suite on the 17th floor. He was found on 9 February; police say his room was locked from the inside and there was no sign of forced entry. An autopsy did not reveal any evidence of foul play. Authorities also note he had been involved in two ongoing court cases that might have caused him stress.
Personal context and legal disputes
Beyond his business profile, Griffiths had personal and legal matters that were active at the time of his death. He was separated from his second wife, a Thai national, and had been engaged in a legal dispute with her over a business they ran together. Officials have indicated those proceedings were among the issues he was facing.
What this means and next steps
The Foreign Office has said it is supporting the family of the British national and is in contact with local authorities. The ongoing legal and personal questions, combined with the autopsy finding, have left the case framed as a tragic, non-suspicious death while formal investigations continue. Details may evolve as authorities complete any outstanding inquiries.
Quick facts
- Name identified by police: Quentin Griffiths.
- Location found: outside a luxury hotel in Pattaya, Thailand; suite on the 17th floor.
- Date found: 9 February.
- Autopsy: no evidence of foul play.
- Personal/legal context: separated from second wife; involved in two ongoing court cases and a dispute over a jointly run business.
- Business note: co-founded asos in 2000; left five years later but remained a significant shareholder.
This remains a developing matter while local authorities complete any remaining formal processes; published details are limited to the facts released by investigators and official statements.