Sebastián Piñera, a former president of Chile, passed away tragically in a helicopter accident on Tuesday afternoon, 6th. At 74 years old, Piñera was one of Chile’s wealthiest individuals, with an estimated net worth of US$2.7 billion, or R$13.3 billion, according to Forbes magazine. His immense wealth raises questions about how he acquired such riches.
Piñera served as the president of Chile twice, from 2010 to 2014 and again from 2018 to 2022. His tenure marked a significant milestone in Chile’s political history, as he became the first right-wing representative to hold the office since 1958. Forbes attributes Piñera’s considerable wealth to his own investments and highlights his impressive credentials, including a Ph.D. in economics from Harvard University.
Throughout his career, Piñera controlled numerous assets and made substantial gains. Following the 2010 elections, he received US$1.5 billion (R$7.4 billion) for his 26% share in the Chilean airline Lan, which has now become part of the transnational Latam. Another significant financial gain came from the sale of the Chilevision TV channel, which Piñera had acquired in 2005, to Time Warner for US$150 million (R$744 million). Additionally, he sold his shares in Blanco & Negro, a prominent football club in the region, further boosting his wealth.
The helicopter accident that claimed Piñera’s life occurred as he was returning from a visit to his friend José Cox. The aircraft crashed into a lake, resulting in the tragic deaths of all four people on board, including Piñera’s sister. The other passengers survived, with the exception of Piñera himself.
In an official statement from Piñera’s office, gratitude was expressed for the outpouring of affection and concern during this difficult time. Further details about the funeral arrangements will be announced later.
The Navy has already recovered Piñera’s body, as confirmed by Carolina Tohá, the Minister of the Interior. The helicopter had a total of four occupants, with three of them safely reaching the shore. Unfortunately, Piñera did not survive. Reports indicate that Piñera was unable to remove his seat belt, leading to his tragic fate. The helicopter descended approximately 40 meters underwater. Photos taken shortly before the accident depict a cloudy and wet day with limited visibility.
Sebastián Piñera was a former president of Chile who met a tragic end. His passing has prompted the current president, Gabriel Boric, to declare a state burial and national mourning. The Chilean people, along with Piñera’s family and friends, are in deep mourning. Tohá emphasized that Piñera will be remembered as the one who governed Chile, and the Republican Party will pay tribute to him accordingly.
