ArtistDirect News
American Singer Oliver Tree Killed in Mid-Air Helicopter Collision Over Rio de Janeiro
In a fatal early‑morning incident on June 14, 2026, two helicopters collided over Rio de Janeiro’s western neighborhood of Recreio dos Bandeirantes, killing all six people on board. The collision, first reported by several Brazilian news outlets, unfolded shortly after midnight and sent the aircraft into a parking lot that housed electric vehicles.
The impact caused the helicopters to burst into flames, engulfing roughly twenty cars. Firefighters on the scene worked for several hours to extinguish the blaze, which was eventually contained by emergency crews.
Among those who perished were American singer and producer Oliver Tree Nickell, known professionally as Oliver Tree, and Argentine YouTuber Gaspar Prim Díaz, who goes by Gaspi. The other victims were passengers Lucas Vignale and Lucas Brito Chaves, as well as pilots Alexandre Souza and Charles Marsillac.
Brazilian authorities have launched an investigation into the mid‑air collision. No official explanation has been released as of the latest reports. Investigators are examining flight data recorders, pilot communications, and air‑traffic‑control logs to determine the cause.
Oliver Tree was 32 years old. Born in Santa Cruz, California, he first attracted attention with the 2016 viral single “When I’m Down.” After signing with Atlantic Records in 2017, he released his debut studio album Ugly Is Beautiful in 2020. Subsequent releases include Cowboy Tears (2022), Alone in a Crowd (2023), and Love You Madly, Hate You Badly (2026). Tree’s music blends alternative pop, rock, electronic, hip‑hop, and comedic elements, and he has accumulated more than 11 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
At the time of the crash, Tree was touring on “The World’s First World Tour.” He had performed in São Paulo earlier that week and had a concert scheduled in Lisbon on July 1. The tour was promoted as a global showcase of his latest releases.
The accident has drawn attention from the music community and the broader entertainment industry. Observers note that the loss of a touring artist mid‑tour is rare and highlights the risks associated with high‑profile travel arrangements.
As investigations continue, the music world mourns the loss of Oliver Tree. The incident also underscores the importance of aviation safety protocols for performers who rely on helicopter transport for international touring.
The impact caused the helicopters to burst into flames, engulfing roughly twenty cars. Firefighters on the scene worked for several hours to extinguish the blaze, which was eventually contained by emergency crews.
Among those who perished were American singer and producer Oliver Tree Nickell, known professionally as Oliver Tree, and Argentine YouTuber Gaspar Prim Díaz, who goes by Gaspi. The other victims were passengers Lucas Vignale and Lucas Brito Chaves, as well as pilots Alexandre Souza and Charles Marsillac.
Brazilian authorities have launched an investigation into the mid‑air collision. No official explanation has been released as of the latest reports. Investigators are examining flight data recorders, pilot communications, and air‑traffic‑control logs to determine the cause.
Oliver Tree was 32 years old. Born in Santa Cruz, California, he first attracted attention with the 2016 viral single “When I’m Down.” After signing with Atlantic Records in 2017, he released his debut studio album Ugly Is Beautiful in 2020. Subsequent releases include Cowboy Tears (2022), Alone in a Crowd (2023), and Love You Madly, Hate You Badly (2026). Tree’s music blends alternative pop, rock, electronic, hip‑hop, and comedic elements, and he has accumulated more than 11 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
At the time of the crash, Tree was touring on “The World’s First World Tour.” He had performed in São Paulo earlier that week and had a concert scheduled in Lisbon on July 1. The tour was promoted as a global showcase of his latest releases.
The accident has drawn attention from the music community and the broader entertainment industry. Observers note that the loss of a touring artist mid‑tour is rare and highlights the risks associated with high‑profile travel arrangements.
As investigations continue, the music world mourns the loss of Oliver Tree. The incident also underscores the importance of aviation safety protocols for performers who rely on helicopter transport for international touring.