Chile: Ex-President Sebastian Pinera Dies in Helicopter Crash

Chile ex-President Sebastian Pinera, a two-term leader and billionaire businessman, tragically passed away at the age of 74 in a helicopter crash near the town of Lago Ranco, according to BBC.

The crash claimed his life, but three other occupants survived the incident.

Although Pinera often piloted his helicopter, there is no official confirmation regarding his role as the pilot during the Chile helicopter crash.

The news has prompted a wave of mourning across Chile and beyond its borders.

The Chile navy retrieved Pinera's body from the crash site, situated in an area where he traditionally spent holidays with his family in February.

President Gabriel Boric, Sebastian Pinera's leftist successor, announced three days of national mourning and a state funeral. Boric paid a warm tribute, recalling Pinera's call for unity when he assumed his second presidential term in 2018.

Sebastian Pinera's Remarkable Life: From Business to Presidency

Born the son of a prominent centrist politician, Sebastian Pinera was a Harvard-trained economist who amassed a fortune by introducing credit cards to Chile in the 1980s, Reuters reports.

A major shareholder in various enterprises, including the flagship airline LAN and local soccer team Colo-Colo, he sold most of these holdings upon assuming the presidency in March 2010.

As of 2024, Forbes ranked him 1,176 on the global rich list, with a net worth of $2.7 billion.

Known for his driven and competitive personality, Pinera was recognized as a risk-taker with a passion for deep-sea diving.

His international recognition peaked during his presidency in 2010 when he oversaw the successful rescue of 33 miners trapped beneath the Atacama desert, a feat later portrayed in the movie "The 33."

While celebrated for economic growth during his first term, Pinera faced frequent protests in both his presidencies.

Student protests for education reform marked his initial term, while his second term witnessed broader and often violent protests against inequality, leading to a promise of drafting a new constitution.

Active in post-presidential politics, Sebastian Pinera continued to speak on national issues and supported conservative politicians in the region.

National Mourning and Global Condolences

Chile declared a state funeral for Sebastian Pinera, accompanied by three days of national mourning, CNN noted.

The country was already in a state of mourning due to devastating forest fires, adding to the somber atmosphere.

Leaders across Latin America expressed condolences. Uruguay's President Luis Lacalle Pou highlighted Pinera's positive attitude towards Uruguay, citing his support during the pandemic.

Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed surprise and sadness, emphasizing the strong dialogue between their countries.

Former Argentine President Mauricio Macri termed Pinera's death an "irreplaceable loss," echoing immense sadness.

Argentinian President Javier Milei, Colombian former president Iván Duque, and other regional leaders also conveyed their condolences.

Chile's former president Sebastian Pinera, survived by his wife Cecilia Morel and four children, left behind a legacy that spans business and politics and left an indelible mark on Chile's recent history.

The nation mourns the loss of a significant political figure and businessman.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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