WASHINGTON: Singer-songwriter Oliver Tree has reportedly died in a helicopter crash in Brazil that also claimed the lives of five others, according to People magazine. He was 32.
The accident took place on Sunday in Rio de Janeiro when two helicopters collided mid-air, resulting in a fiery crash. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, and officials are working to determine the exact cause of the collision.
The Civil Police of the state of Rio de Janeiro confirmed that an investigation is under way. In a statement obtained by People magazine, officials said forensic teams examined the crash site and are awaiting findings from the Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents.
“The investigation is ongoing at the 42nd Police Precinct. A forensic examination was conducted at the scene, and agents are awaiting the report from the Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents,” police said. “The bodies of the six victims will undergo forensic examination for identification, which will be compared to data in the records of the Air Operations Center,” the statement continued.
Acabo de encontrar el video de como fue el accidente de Oliver Tree y Gaspi que pena… pic.twitter.com/cO7XdbiFZQ
— Global trends (@Monkeytradersd) June 14, 2026
According to reports, the crash involved two helicopters. Five people travelling in one aircraft were killed, along with the pilot of the second helicopter. Reports indicated that there were no survivors. Among those reported dead were Oliver Tree, Argentine YouTuber Gaspar Prim, known online as Gaspi, along with passengers Lucas Vignale and Lucas Brito Chaves. The pilots were identified as Alexandre Souza and Charles Marsillac.
Tree was in the middle of an international tour at the time of the reported crash. The musician had recently performed in São Paulo on June 6 and was scheduled to continue his tour with a concert in Lisbon, Portugal, on July 1. Additional dates were planned across Spain, Austria, the United States and China.
Tree, who was best known for blending alternative music with pop and electronic influences, gained global recognition through songs such as ‘Life Goes On’ and ‘Miss You.’ Over the years, he built a large international fan base and amassed more than two million followers on Instagram.
Oliver Tree had given fans a glimpse into his first-ever trip to Brazil just days before he was killed in a tragic helicopter crash that claimed six lives.
The 32-year-old musician had been spending time in Rio de Janeiro with friends while on tour. In the days leading up to the accident, Tree shared several moments from his visit on social media, showing his excitement about experiencing the country for the first time.
Neste vídeo publicado ontem pelo próprio Oliver Tree, ele estava feliz.
Oliver Tree faleceu hoje no acidente envolvendo os dois helicópteros.
Deus conforte o coração dos familiares. pic.twitter.com/YHtTFnBgnA
— Vlog do Marcone (@vlogdomarcone) June 14, 2026
Just a day before the crash, influencer Iae Break and Tree posted a joint video on Instagram with the caption that read, “An American’s first time in Brazil”.
The video featured Tree taking a haircut, riding a motorcycle, grilling meet, and jokingly calling himself “Neymar” while holding a replica of the FIFA World Cup trophy. The singer appeared cheerful as he explored local culture and spent time with friends during his stay.
Following the crash, Iae Break shared an emotional tribute on social media, posting several pictures of himself and Tree posing together with the scenic Rio de Janeiro backdrop. “I can’t believe you guys are gone,” he wrote in Portuguese.
Tree, whose full name was Oliver Tree Nickell, was born in Santa Cruz, California, and had built a strong fan following around the world with his unique music style and distinctive personality. Earlier this year, the singer released his latest studio album, ‘Love You Madly Hate You Badly,’ on April 24. He was also known for albums such as ‘Ugly Is Beautiful,’ ‘Cowboy Tears,’ and ‘Alone in a Crowd.’ (ANI)
