Former Chilean President Sebastián Piñera, a prominent figure who led the nation through tumultuous times, tragically passed away at the age of 74 in a helicopter crash on Tuesday. Chile Interior Minister Carolina Tohá confirmed the news, although further details regarding the cause of the accident are yet to be disclosed.
Piñera served as president twice, from 2010 to 2014 and again from 2018 to 2022. His tenure was marked by significant challenges, including the aftermath of a devastating 8.8-magnitude earthquake and tsunami in 2010, where his administration garnered international attention for successfully rescuing trapped Chilean miners.
The moment when former president Sebastián Piñera’s body recovered
However, his legacy is also tinged with controversy, particularly concerning his handling of social unrest in October 2019, when protests erupted against the country’s education, health, and pension systems. A United Nations investigation later alleged improper and indiscriminate use of force by the police, leading to injuries and mistreatment of detainees amounting to torture.
Despite these challenges, Piñera’s governance during the COVID-19 pandemic was notable, with Chile ranking among the top five countries for vaccination rates. His passing comes at a time when Chile is grappling with recovery efforts from massive deadly wildfires in the central region.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric paid tribute to Piñera, acknowledging his leadership during crises and describing him as a dedicated democrat. The news of Piñera’s death prompted an outpouring of condolences from leaders across Latin America, including former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Argentinian President Javier Milei.
Piñera’s multifaceted career spanned academia, business, and politics. Prior to his presidential terms, he amassed significant wealth as a businessman and contributed to job creation in Chile. Despite his association with the center-right political spectrum, Piñera demonstrated independence by voting against the extension of the military dictatorship under Augusto Pinochet during his time as an independent senator.
Piñera’s presidency was characterized by resilience in the face of adversity, from navigating natural disasters to addressing socio-political challenges. His passing marks the end of an era for Chile, leaving behind a complex legacy that reflects both triumphs and controversies in the nation’s history.
