Sebastián Piñera die in Helicopter Crash

On Tuesday, February 6, 2024, former Chilean President Sebastián Piñera died in a helicopter crash. The accident occurred over Lake Ranco, approximately 920 kilometers south of Santiago. Piñera, 74 at the time of the crash, was piloting the helicopter himself.

A Life in Service to Chile

Sebastián Piñera, born on December 1, 1949, in Santiago de Chile, was not only a significant politician but also a successful entrepreneur. He served Chile as president in two terms, from 2010 to 2014 and again from 2018 to 2022. Besides his political career, Piñera made a name for himself as a billionaire and entrepreneur. He was the main shareholder of the airline Lan Chile and introduced credit cards to Chile in the late 1970s.

The Circumstances of the Accident

The accident occurred shortly after 2:47 p.m. local time. Piñera was in a Robinson R 66 helicopter when it crashed near his summer home in Bahia Coique. He was returning from visiting his friend José Cox when the tragedy struck. Alongside Piñera, there were other individuals in the helicopter, including entrepreneur Ignacio Guerrero, one of Guerrero's sons, and Magdalena Piñera, one of the former president's daughters. The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation.

Reactions and Mourning

News of Piñera's death sparked nationwide dismay. Interior Minister Carolina Tohá confirmed the former president's death and expressed condolences on behalf of the government. President Gabriel Boric declared a state mourning and announced a state funeral for the deceased former president.

Sebastián Piñera's death leaves a void in Chilean politics and society. His dedication to the country and his role as an entrepreneur will be remembered. The circumstances of his tragic accident and his sudden death are a painful loss for Chile, evoking deep sorrow nationwide.