A tragic event left Chile and the world shocked. Former Chilean President Sebastián Piñera, 74, lost his life in a helicopter crash in the southern part of Chile. Piñera, who was known for his love of flying, was at the controls at the time of the accident.
The helicopter crash happened near Lago Ranco, a scenic area that was a frequent summer destination for Piñera. The helicopter carried three passengers. Despite the severity of the crash on February 6, 2024, the three passengers survived.
The aircraft went down in a lake in the Region de Los Lagos. Tragically, Piñera was trapped in the wreckage, and his body was later retrieved.
Piñera was not only a political figure who served as Chile’s president twice. He was also an experienced pilot with an adventurous spirit.
During his political career, Piñera served two non-consecutive terms as President, from 2010 to 2014 and again from 2018 to 2022. His time in office was marked by significant events, one of them being the globally applauded rescue of 33 trapped miners in 2010. However, his presidency was also marked by mass protests in 2019 over inequality issues, revealing the multifaceted legacy he leaves behind.
In addition to his political career, Piñera was a successful businessman with interests in the banking and telecommunications sectors. His business acumen and risk-taking personality were well-known, and these traits were evident in his political life as well. Despite facing controversies and challenges, including mass protests against his government, Piñera’s leadership during periods of economic growth and crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, constitutes a significant part of Chile’s recent history.
Initial reports suggest that there was heavy rainfall in the area at the time of the incident. Autopsy results revealed that Piñera died from drowning. President Gabriel Boric declared three days of national mourning in Piñera’s honor, acknowledging his contributions to the nation despite their political differences.
Leaders around the world, particularly from Latin America, extended their condolences, recognizing Piñera’s role in Chilean politics and his efforts to steer the country through various challenges. His passing prompted reflections on his legacy, both as a change-driven leader and as a figure of contention whose policies ignited significant debate and protest.