Former Chilean President Sebastian Pinera dies in helicopter crash

Feb. 7 (UPI) -- Former Chilean President Sebastian Pinera died in a helicopter crash, officials said. He was 74 years old.

Interior Minister Carolina Toha confirmed Pinera died Tuesday but did not share further details about what led to the crash.

An initial report said that Pinera was flying the helicopter over Lago Ranco, a lake in southern Chile, with three passengers. The passengers were able to swim to safety.

Pinera's body was recovered from the scene and Toha said he would be granted "all of the honors and republican recognition he deserves."

"We want to extend an embrace to the family of the ex-president, to all those close to him, but also to Chileans, because Sebastian Pinera served twice as Chile's democratic president," Toha said.

Current President Gabriel Boric remembered Pinera as someone who sought "the best for his country."

"He was a democrat from the very first moment," he said.

Pinera served nonconsecutive terms from 2010-2014 followed by a second from 2018-2022 and throughout both guided Chile through some of the country's most challenging periods, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters such as an earthquake and tsunami.

Condolences poured out from other South American leaders across the political spectrum.

"I deeply lament his death and wish to send our condolences on behalf of the Argentine people to his family and friends as well as to all the Chilean people," right-wing Argentinian President Javier Milei wrote on X.

Leftist Brazilian President Inacio Lula da Silva, serving a third nonconsecutive term, said he was "surprised and saddened" by the news of Pinera's death.

"We always had a good dialogue, when we were both presidents, and also when we weren't," he said. "Very sad that he passed away so abruptly. My condolences to Pinera's family and friends on this loss."

U.S. President Joe Biden called Pinera's death a "tragic loss" in a White House statement on Wednesday. Biden said the ex-Chilean leader was driven by "a sense of passion and purpose" in leading his country.

"He worked tirelessly to grow Chile's economy and advocate for his nation on the world stage," Biden said. "During the COVID-19 pandemic, he placed the safety of his fellow citizens paramount -helping Chile achieve one of the fastest vaccination rates in the world.

"In wake of a devastating earthquake and tsunami in 2010, President Pinera's steadfast leadership not only helped guide Chile through the pain of darkness and loss but enabled Chile to emerge stronger."