Chilean authorities have confirmed the passing of former President Sebastian Pinera following a helicopter crash in Los Ríos. Interior Minister Carolina Tohá revealed that Pinera was among four passengers, with the remaining three surviving in stable condition.
The navy recovered Pinera’s body. Pinera, aged 74, held the presidency from 2010 to 2014 and 2018 to 2022. In response to his death, President Gabriel Boric declared three days of national mourning and announced a state funeral for the ex-leader.
This period of mourning coincides with the nation grieving over 120 lives lost to wildfires along the coast. Tohá expressed the government’s profound sorrow and solidarity with Pinera’s family and all Chileans.
Pinera, an alumnus of Harvard University and a billionaire with a net worth estimated by Forbes at $2.7 billion, founded Banco, a credit card company, in the 1970s. He fulfilled his campaign promise by divesting his assets during his presidency.
President Boric praised Pinera’s dedication to Chile, highlighting his leadership during the 2010 earthquake reconstruction, the San Jose mine rescue, and the COVID-19 pandemic management.
Regional leaders also paid tribute. Uruguay’s President Luis Lacalle Pou and Argentina’s President Javier Milei extended condolences, noting Pinera’s positive influence and support, including logistical assistance during the pandemic.
