Imperfect vs. Preterite: Please help! How do I say Pablo Escobar was a good man in Spanish?

Question

Should I say era or fue?

Answer 1

Pablo Escobar fue un buen hombre. This means he was and he is no longer with us.

Pablo escobar era un buen hombre, This could mean the samething but it can also mean that he was good but now he is bad.

Generally they are interchangeable.

I would use fue if I am trying to hint that he is no longer with us.

Answer 2

The preterite in this case is used to describe physical attributes so I believe it should read "Pablo Escobar era un buen hombre".

-Jake