Death of Riro, last King of Easter Island, in Valparaíso

Background. Riro Kāinga ruled Easter Island during a period of indigenous autonomy following Chile's 1888 annexation. In 1896, Chile reasserted colonial authority by leasing the island to a sheep company. Riro attempted to negotiate wages and working conditions with the company's manager in 1898 but failed. Ignoring warnings from his people, he traveled to Valparaíso to present his case directly to the Chilean government.

Diplomatic Visit to Valparaíso. Upon arriving in Valparaíso, the provincial intendant offered to forward Riro's grievances to the central government. However, Riro insisted on meeting as equals with President Federico Errázuriz Echaurren. During the evening, he was encouraged to drink heavily. The following morning, his companions learned he had been transferred to Carlos Van Buren Hospital, where he subsequently died.

Death and Repatriation. Official accounts stated Riro died of alcohol poisoning, though suspicions of poisoning by the Chilean government remained. News of his death reached Easter Island in March 1899. Decades later, in 2006, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet repatriated Riro's remains to Easter Island, where they were received in a ceremony featuring both the Rapa Nui and Chilean flags.