Former Chilean President Sebastián Piñera tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash in the Los Ríos region.
Interior Minister Carolina Tohá confirmed the grim news on Tuesday, revealing that Piñera was among four people on board the helicopter when it crashed, resulting in his untimely death.
While three others survived the crash and are reported to be in stable condition, the loss of the former leader sent shockwaves across Chile and beyond. The cause of the crash is under investigation, initial reports indicating adverse weather conditions including heavy rainfall in the area may have played a role.
The Chilean Navy also confirmed the recovery of Piñero’s body, adding to the grim reality of the situation. At the age of 74, Piñera served two terms, from 2010 to 2014 and again from 2018 to 2022, leaving behind a legacy marked by significant contributions to Chilean politics and society.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric has declared three days of national mourning in Piñera’s memory, with plans for a state funeral to pay tribute to the late leader.
This poignant moment of grief comes at a challenging time for Chile, which is already dealing with the aftermath of devastating forest fires that have claimed the lives of more than 120 people.
Minister Tohá expressed his solidarity with Piñera’s family and the Chilean people and expressed the government’s deep shock at the tragedies and emphasized Piñera’s dedication to serving the nation.
Piñera, a Harvard-educated billionaire, has made significant contributions to Chilean society, including his philanthropic efforts and his leadership in times of crisis, such as the 2010 earthquake and recent management of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Regional leaders joined in mourning Piñera’s death, with Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou and Argentine President Javier Milei expressing their condolences and recalling Piñera’s positive impact on regional cooperation and diplomacy.
