Chilean Tragedy: Former President Sebastián Piñera, 74, dies in helicopter crash

The incident occurred in Lago Ranco, located in central Chile. The helicopter plunged into the water, leaving Piñera trapped in the aircraft. Three individuals who accompanied him were rescued alive.

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Piñera governed Chile for two terms, from 2010 to 2014 and from 2018 to 2022 - Photo Reproduction/José Cruz/Agência Brasil

Former two-term president of Chile, Sebastián Piñera, 74, died in a tragic helicopter accident this Tuesday (6), according to information from the Chilean government's Ministry of the Interior. Piñera, known for both his political and business career, was pronounced dead after the aircraft he was in crashed in an area close to the city of Lago Ranco, in the central region of Chile. According to reports in the newspaper "La Tercera", Piñera was piloting the helicopter, which was also carrying three other people. The group was returning from a visit to a friend of Piñera, José Cox, when the accident occurred and the aircraft ended up crashing into a lake.

“It is with deep regret that we announce the death of the former president of the Republic of Chile, Sebastián Piñera Echeñique,” ​​announced his office. "We will inform you of their funerals in due course. We appreciate the enormous expressions of affection and concern we have received during these bitter hours," the statement read.

According to newspaper reports, government authorities confirmed that three individuals were found alive by rescue teams. Two of them managed to swim to shore, while the third was rescued directly from the water. Upon arriving at the scene, rescuers found the aircraft already submerged in the lake. According to information from the Latin American press, former president Piñera had difficulty undoing his seat belt. His body was rescued from the water and transported by boat to shore. The Chilean government announced a period of official mourning and assured that the wake and burial ceremony will be accompanied by official honors.

Former Chilean President

Former President Piñera, who governed Chile for two non-consecutive terms, from 2010 to 2014 and then from 2018 to 2022, was a controversial and influential figure in Chilean politics. During his time in power, he was known for his pro-market economic policies and energetic leadership style. However, his reforms were also criticized by many Chileans, who argued that they mainly benefited the richest sectors of society.

Born as the son of a politician, Piñera attended Harvard University, in the United States, where he graduated in economics. Upon returning to Chile in the 1980s, he set out to create a new financial venture in the country, focused on credit cards. Additionally, Piñera was an investor in prominent companies such as LAN (an airline that later merged with Brazil's TAM to form Latam) and Colo-Colo (one of Chile's leading football clubs), as well as the Chilevisión, a television channel.

He chose to sell a large part of his holdings when he assumed the presidency of Chile for the first time, in 2010. According to Forbes, his fortune was estimated at US$2.7 billion (R$13.40 billion).

Repercussion

After confirming the news, Latin American leaders paid tribute to the late former Chilean president. Through social media, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed his regret over the loss.

"Surprised and saddened by the death of Sebastián Piñera, former president of Chile. We lived together, we won by strengthening the relationship between our countries and we always had a good dialogue, when we were both presidents, and also when we were not. Very sad his death so abruptly. My condolences to Piñera's family and friends for this loss," wrote the Brazilian president.

On the social network X, Uruguayan president Luis Lacalle Pou shared that Sebastián Piñera has always demonstrated a positive attitude towards Uruguay and towards him personally. As an example, he highlighted the logistical support offered during the pandemic for the arrival of vaccines. Lacalle Pou expressed his condolences for the loss.

Former Argentine president Mauricio Macri also spoke, expressing deep sadness over the death of his dear friend Sebastián Piñera. Macri emphasized that Piñera was a person of character, committed to Chile and the values ​​of freedom and democracy in Latin America. He described him as a remarkable friend and leader, sending all his love to Piñera's family.