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Former Chilean President Sebastián Piñera died Tuesday afternoon in a helicopter crash in the south of the country, according to a statement from his office. He was 74.
Four other people were aboard the helicopter that crashed, according to government emergency company Senapred. Three of them survived with injuries, the company added.
Chilean Interior Minister Carolina Toha said the rescue had uncovered Piñera’s body and that the government would call for an era of national mourning.
Pinera “will accordingly have all the honors and republican recognitions that he deserves,” Toha said in televised remarks. “President Pinera governed us and we will remember the way he gave and dedicated his life to public service.”
Local media showed photographs of heavy rains and winds near the accident in Lago Ranco. The Argentine presidency sent its condolences to Piñera’s family, according to a statement.