Reaction to the Death of Chilean Ex-President Piñera in Helicopter Crash – Reuters

Chilean ex-President Sebastian Pinera, who served two terms from 2010 to 2014 and from 2018 to 2022, tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash on Tuesday in southern Chile. Authorities have recovered his body, and a state funeral is forthcoming.

Here are some reactions to the news:

FORMER PRESIDENT PINERA’S OFFICE
"Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course. We are thankful for the immense outpouring of support and affection we have received during this difficult time."

BRAZIL PRESIDENT LUIZ INACIO LULA DA SILVA
"I am shocked and saddened by the death of Sebastian Pinera, a former president of Chile. We collaborated to strengthen relations between our countries and maintained good dialogue throughout our tenures and beyond. It is truly sad that he passed away so unexpectedly. My condolences to his family and friends."

ARGENTINA’S FORMER PRESIDENT MAURICIO MACRI
"I am filled with immense sadness at the news of my dear friend Sebastian Pinera’s passing. He was a remarkable individual, deeply committed to Chile and to the ideals of freedom and democracy in Latin America. Today, I mourn the loss of a friend and an extraordinary leader. My love goes out to his family."

MEXICO’S FORMER PRESIDENT FELIPE CALDERON
"I am deeply pained to learn of the passing of my friend Sebastian Pinera. His family has lost a wonderful husband and father, and Chile has lost one of its finest presidents."

PARAGUAY’S FORMER PRESIDENT MARIO ABDO
"During our toughest moments, Pinera was always supportive of Paraguay and the region as a whole. Just yesterday, we participated in a video call with fellow former presidents. We are profoundly shocked by this tragic news. My heartfelt solidarity goes out to the Pinera family and the people of Chile."

COLOMBIA’S FORMER PRESIDENT IVAN DUQUE
"I feel a deep sense of loss with the death of my great friend and colleague Sebastian Pinera. He was a remarkable leader, a person of integrity, and a true ally to Colombia. My condolences to his entire family."

LUIS ALMAGRO, HEAD OF ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES
"We extend our heartfelt sorrow at the passing of former Chilean President Sebastian Pinera. Our condolences go out to his family and friends."