Former Chilean President Sebastián Piñera Dies in Helicopter Crash at 74
Sebastián Piñera, the two-time former president of Chile, tragically passed away on Tuesday in a helicopter crash at the age of 74. Piñera, who served as president from 2010 to 2014 and again from 2018 to 2022, led the South American nation during moments of crisis, including the aftermath of an 8.8 magnitude earthquake and tsunami.
Piñera gained international recognition for his administration’s successful rescue of trapped Chilean miners in 2010. His leadership during the coronavirus pandemic also earned praise, as Chile was among the top five countries for vaccination rates. However, his legacy is marred by allegations of violent police repression against protesters in October 2019. A United Nations investigation found that the police used force improperly and indiscriminately, leading to injuries and mistreatment of detainees amounting to torture.
The social unrest in Chile resulted in two failed attempts to update the constitution inherited from the military dictatorship that ruled the country from 1973 to 1990. Piñera’s death comes at a time when Chile is already recovering from massive deadly wildfires in the central region.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric paid tribute to Piñera, describing him as a leader who always sought the best for his country. Boric highlighted Piñera’s management of the pandemic and other emergencies, emphasizing his democratic values. Leaders and former leaders across Latin America, from both the left and right, expressed their condolences for Piñera’s sudden passing.
Sebastián Piñera had a diverse background before entering politics. As the owner of the fifth-largest fortune in Chile, estimated at $3 billion, he worked as an academic and consultant for various universities, the Inter-American Development Bank, and the World Bank. He also had a successful career as a businessman, working in industries such as real estate, airlines, telecommunications, and electricity. Piñera created one of the largest credit card companies in Chile and was known for his entrepreneurial achievements.
Piñera’s political journey began as a representative of the center-right, which supported the military regime. However, he voted against the extension of dictator Augusto Pinochet’s rule while serving as an independent senator. Piñera ran for president three times, losing to socialist Michelle Bachelet in 2006 but winning against former President Eduardo Frei in 2010. In 2018, he secured a second four-year term after defeating a leftist independent candidate.
Piñera faced significant challenges during his presidency. Just twelve days before his first term began, a devastating earthquake and tsunami claimed the lives of 525 people and caused extensive damage to central-southern Chile. Piñera’s government had to prioritize emergency reconstruction efforts, delaying his original agenda. In the same year, he led the unprecedented rescue of 33 miners who were trapped for 69 days in a collapsed mine in the Atacama Desert. The successful rescue captured global attention and showcased the resilience and spirit of the Chilean people.
Sebastián Piñera’s passing is a loss not only for Chile but also for Latin America. His leadership during times of crisis and his contributions to the country’s development will be remembered. As Chile mourns the loss of a former president, the nation continues to face challenges and strive for progress.
Note: The information and quotes used in this article are based on the news article “Former Chilean President Sebastián Piñera Dies in Helicopter Crash at 74” by Patricia Luna, published by the Associated Press.