Tragic End for Former Chilean President Sebastian Piñera

Former Chilean President Sebastian Piñera met a tragic demise, succumbing to drowning after a helicopter crash in the southern regions of the country, as revealed by autopsy findings.

The Los Ríos regional prosecutor, Tatiana Esquivel, disclosed on Wednesday that the cause of Piñera's death was attributed to "asphyxiation due to submersion."

Piñera's funeral arrangements are set for Friday, as confirmed by an announcement from the Chilean government.

The helicopter, carrying the conservative billionaire along with four individuals, encountered the crash, leaving three survivors who are now reported to be "out of danger," stated Carolina Tohá, Chile's Minister of Interior.

Although the area was besieged by widespread rainfall during the time of the incident, it remains uncertain if adverse weather conditions contributed to the crash. The Chilean navy has successfully recovered Piñera's body.

Aged 74, Piñera held the presidential office from 2010 to 2014 and resumed his tenure from 2018 to 2022.

In honor of the late leader, a state funeral is scheduled, with President Gabriel Boric declaring three days of national mourning, the commencement of which remains unspecified.

The nation was already reeling under a state of national mourning due to devastating forest fires, purportedly the worst on record, claiming over 120 lives.

Expressing profound shock over the tragedy, the Chilean government extends its condolences to Piñera's family, associates, and the entire populace, as articulated in Tohá's statement.

Piñera, an alumnus of Chilean and Harvard University, amassed an estimated fortune of $2.7 billion, transitioning from a businessman to a politician. Notably, he founded the credit card company Banco during the 1970s and adhered to his pledge to divest his assets during his initial presidential term.

Assuming office in 2010 following the tenure of Michelle Bachelet, Piñera encountered significant challenges during his second term, characterized by widespread protests and civil unrest in October 2019. Protesters voiced demands for improved pensions, educational standards, and an overhaul of the economic structure, perceived as favoring the affluent.

In response to the upheaval, outgoing President Piñera acceded to a popular vote to revise the constitution, inherited from the dictatorship era.

Additionally, he spearheaded the nation's response to the Covid-19 pandemic, achieving one of the highest vaccination rates globally for the Andean nation with a population of 19 million.

President Boric paid tribute to Piñera's dedication, citing his endeavors in steering the country through crises such as the reconstruction efforts post the 2010 earthquake and the dramatic rescue of 33 miners from the San Jose mine. Boric also commended Piñera's management of the pandemic amidst global uncertainties.

Regional leaders mourned Piñera's demise, with Uruguay's President Luis Lacalle Pou recalling Piñera's supportive stance towards Uruguay during the pandemic. Argentine President Javier Milei conveyed condolences on behalf of Argentina to Piñera's family, friends, and the Chilean populace.