Alberto Achacaz Walakial

Alberto Achacaz Walakial (1929? – August 4, 2008) was a Chilean citizen and one of the last full-blooded Kaweskars, who are also known as the Alacaluf, or Halakwulup.[1] The Kaweskar are an indigenous Native American people who were once found in coastal regions of Chilean Patagonia. There are estimated to be only approximately a dozen full-blooded Kaweskars still living following Achacaz's death in 2008.[1] However, there are no Kaweskar women of fertile age remaining, so the tribe appears to be headed for extinction.[1]

Achacaz lived in a modest home, which lacked a modern drainage system.[1] He had lived alone since his wife died in 1999. He earned a living by crafting small canoes out of sea lion skins and weaving traditional baskets.[1]

Achacaz had been hospitalized since in Punta Arenas, Chile, since late June 2008.[1] Achacaz had arrived at the hospital malnourished, dehydrated and weighing less than 130 pounds.[1] He was admitted to the intensive care unit of the Hospital Naval.[1] Additionally, Achacaz was found to be suffering from septic shock which affected his gall bladder and lungs.[1]

Alberto Achacaz Walakial died of blood poisoning at the hospital in Punta Arenas on Monday, August 4, 2008, according to reports by the local Chilean newspaper, La Prensa Austral.[1] Official Chilean government documents listed Achacaz's age at 79 years old.[1] However, some believed that Achacaz was closer to 90 years of age.[1]