Sebastián Piñera was a prominent Chilean businessman and billionaire who served two terms as President, including a period of rapid economic growth for the country.
- Died: February 6, 2024 (Who else died on February 6?)
- Details of death: Died in Chile in a helicopter crash near Lago Ranco, Chile, at the age of 75.
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Sebastián Piñera’s legacy
Piñera was born in Santiago, Chile, but spent a lot of time overseas in his youth, beginning in Belgium shortly after his birth and later in New York City, where his father served as Chilean ambassador to the United Nations. Piñera’s family had deep roots in the political world, including connections to at least two former Chilean presidents, among other notable figures.
Piñera earned a doctorate in economics from Harvard University and taught the subject for 17 years in Chile while spearheading the creation of several foundations, including the Enterprising Women Foundation and the Fundación Futuro (later renamed Fundación Cultura y Sociedad), which was devoted to environmental and social causes. His time in business involved both success and controversy. He amassed a fortune estimated at nearly $3 billion through banking and television and popularized the use of credit cards in Chile. He also faced criticism and fines for some of his dealings, some of which were revealed in the Pandora Papers investigation.
Piñera entered politics in the 1990s as a senator from 1990 to 1998. He ascended to the presidency in 2010, serving until 2014, and he was elected to another term from 2018 to 2022. He had a reputation for light-hearted humor that won him both praise and criticism. His tenure was also marked by frequent protests and low approval ratings, particularly regarding economic disparities. Early into his first term in 2010, he gained global attention during the efforts to rescue 33 Chilean miners who were trapped for nearly 70 days under the Atacama Desert. In 2013, he made headlines when he broke protocol and sat behind then President Barack Obama’s desk during a meeting at the Oval Office. An avid helicopter pilot, Piñera died when his helicopter crashed into a lake near Lago Ranco, Chile. His three passengers, including his sister, Magdalena, survived.
Tributes to Sebastián Piñera
Full obituary: The New York Times
