Chile’s Former President Pinera Dies in Helicopter Crash at 74

Former Chilean President Sebastian Piñera died in a helicopter crash on the 6th (local time) in Lake Ranco, Los Rios Region, central Chile, reported the local daily newspaper La Tercera.

According to the report, the helicopter carrying former President Piñera crashed for an unknown reason while flying over Lake Ranco, about 559 miles away from the capital, Santiago, that afternoon.

La Tercera reported, quoting authorities, that former President Piñera was found dead at the scene.

Four people, including former President Piñera, were reportedly on board the helicopter. The fate of the other three is unknown.

La Tercera reported, “Former President Piñera was on the move after having lunch with his friends and businessman Jose Cox.”

Former President Piñera, who was born in December 1949, headed the centrist-right administration twice, from 2010 to 2014 and from 2018 to 2022.

He visited Korea twice, in March 2012 and April 2019, to hold summit meetings with former Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Moon Jae-in.