José Claudio Fica Gómez Dies: Who Was the O’Higgins Mayor and What Happened to Him?

José Claudio Fica Gómez Dies: Who Was the O’Higgins Mayor and What Happened to Him?

José Claudio Fica Gómez, mayor of the commune of O’Higgins in Chile’s Aysén Region, died suddenly on August 12, 2026, while still serving in office. His death was officially confirmed by the municipality and reported by several Chilean news outlets.

Fica was a member of Chile’s Christian Democratic Party (DC) and had a long career in local government. He served as mayor during multiple periods and was serving the 2024–2028 term at the time of his death. His administration focused on local infrastructure, tourism, public spaces, connectivity and development in Villa O’Higgins.

What happened to the mayor?

According to El Divisadero, Fica suffered an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) shortly after presiding over a Municipal Council session in Villa O’Higgins. The municipality’s initial announcement did not give a cause of death, but the local report later identified the heart attack as the cause.

The municipality declared five days of communal mourning, from August 12 through August 16, and Chilean municipal and regional authorities expressed condolences to his family and the community.

Fica’s death has been described by local authorities as a major loss for Villa O’Higgins and the wider Aysén region, where he was recognized for decades of public service.