ArtistDirect News
Oliver Tree Dies in Helicopter Crash Over Rio de Janeiro
Oliver Tree, the American singer‑songwriter known for hits such as "Miss You" and "Life Goes On," died on Sunday, June 14, 2026, when the helicopter he was aboard collided with another aircraft over Rio de Janeiro.
Brazilian authorities confirmed that the 32‑year‑old artist was among the six fatalities when the two helicopters crashed in the Southwest district of Rio. The aircraft carrying Tree was found near an electric‑vehicle dealership in the Recreio dos Bandeirantes neighbourhood, where the impact sparked a blaze that firefighters eventually extinguished.
The crash, a mid‑air collision, killed all six people on board. Victims named by police include Oliver Tree Nickel, Lucas Vignale, Gaspar Prim, Lucas Brito Chaves, and pilots Alexandre Souza and Charles Marsillac. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collision, and authorities have not yet formally identified the remains.
Tree was on the first leg of his "The World’s First Tour," which began in South America. He performed in Buenos Aires on June 4 and posted a video on Instagram on June 13 showing him playing football in a Brazilian neighbourhood. The tour was scheduled to include more than 70 shows in 30 countries, with dates in the United Kingdom set for Glasgow, Manchester and London in September.
Fans and fellow musicians reacted to the news on social media. A user wrote, "So heartbroken. Thank you for everything, Oliver Tree. RIP." Another posted, "Rest In Peace Oliver Tree he was a great man with a great singing voice he was only 32 and didn’t deserve to leave yet." A third comment noted, "Actually was so shocked I had to genuinely let it process for a moment that he actually died and that it wasn’t just a skit or joke of his like he used to. His personality and music genuinely helped younger me during covid, rip Oliver Tree."
YouTuber KSI, who collaborated with Tree on the track "Voices," shared a tribute on X, saying, "Can't believe I'm actually having to type this. You're 32 man. You should still be here. You still had so much life to live. So much music to make. So much content to make. You're a legend and will always be a legend. Still doesn't feel real. Genuinely feel sick. I love you bro."
Dutch DJ Oliver Heldens, a close friend, posted a photo of the two together in Tokyo and wrote, "I can not believe it... Rest in peace brother, you were one of a kind and you'll be truly missed @olivertree. See you again in another life."
Tree first emerged in the music scene at 17, working with Skrillex and Zeds Dead under the name Tree. He released the independent record "Spilling Branches" and later joined the band Irony as lead vocalist and guitarist. In 2013 he signed with RandS Records and released the EP "Demons," which drew praise from artists such as Thom Yorke of Radiohead.
After a brief hiatus to study music technology at the California Institute of the Arts, Tree returned in 2016 and collaborated with rapper Getter on "Forget It." He released his debut studio album "Ugly Is Beautiful" in July 2020, followed by "Cowboy Tears" in February 2022, "Alone in a Crowd" in September 2023, and "Love You Madly Hate You Badly" in April 2026.
In 2024, Tree was nominated for an international Brit Award alongside German producer Robin Schulz for their track "Miss You." The single reached number three on the UK singles chart.
The helicopter crash that claimed Tree’s life also resulted in a significant fire at the electric‑vehicle dealership, destroying at least 20 vehicles. The incident has prompted an investigation by Brazilian aviation authorities and the Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro.
The death of Oliver Tree marks a sudden loss for the contemporary pop‑rock and alternative music community. His career, spanning viral singles, chart‑topper collaborations, and a global touring schedule, had positioned him as a rising star in the 2020s. The investigation into the crash remains ongoing, and authorities have yet to release further details about the cause or the identification of the victims’ remains.
Brazilian authorities confirmed that the 32‑year‑old artist was among the six fatalities when the two helicopters crashed in the Southwest district of Rio. The aircraft carrying Tree was found near an electric‑vehicle dealership in the Recreio dos Bandeirantes neighbourhood, where the impact sparked a blaze that firefighters eventually extinguished.
The crash, a mid‑air collision, killed all six people on board. Victims named by police include Oliver Tree Nickel, Lucas Vignale, Gaspar Prim, Lucas Brito Chaves, and pilots Alexandre Souza and Charles Marsillac. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collision, and authorities have not yet formally identified the remains.
Tree was on the first leg of his "The World’s First Tour," which began in South America. He performed in Buenos Aires on June 4 and posted a video on Instagram on June 13 showing him playing football in a Brazilian neighbourhood. The tour was scheduled to include more than 70 shows in 30 countries, with dates in the United Kingdom set for Glasgow, Manchester and London in September.
Fans and fellow musicians reacted to the news on social media. A user wrote, "So heartbroken. Thank you for everything, Oliver Tree. RIP." Another posted, "Rest In Peace Oliver Tree he was a great man with a great singing voice he was only 32 and didn’t deserve to leave yet." A third comment noted, "Actually was so shocked I had to genuinely let it process for a moment that he actually died and that it wasn’t just a skit or joke of his like he used to. His personality and music genuinely helped younger me during covid, rip Oliver Tree."
YouTuber KSI, who collaborated with Tree on the track "Voices," shared a tribute on X, saying, "Can't believe I'm actually having to type this. You're 32 man. You should still be here. You still had so much life to live. So much music to make. So much content to make. You're a legend and will always be a legend. Still doesn't feel real. Genuinely feel sick. I love you bro."
Dutch DJ Oliver Heldens, a close friend, posted a photo of the two together in Tokyo and wrote, "I can not believe it... Rest in peace brother, you were one of a kind and you'll be truly missed @olivertree. See you again in another life."
Tree first emerged in the music scene at 17, working with Skrillex and Zeds Dead under the name Tree. He released the independent record "Spilling Branches" and later joined the band Irony as lead vocalist and guitarist. In 2013 he signed with RandS Records and released the EP "Demons," which drew praise from artists such as Thom Yorke of Radiohead.
After a brief hiatus to study music technology at the California Institute of the Arts, Tree returned in 2016 and collaborated with rapper Getter on "Forget It." He released his debut studio album "Ugly Is Beautiful" in July 2020, followed by "Cowboy Tears" in February 2022, "Alone in a Crowd" in September 2023, and "Love You Madly Hate You Badly" in April 2026.
In 2024, Tree was nominated for an international Brit Award alongside German producer Robin Schulz for their track "Miss You." The single reached number three on the UK singles chart.
The helicopter crash that claimed Tree’s life also resulted in a significant fire at the electric‑vehicle dealership, destroying at least 20 vehicles. The incident has prompted an investigation by Brazilian aviation authorities and the Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro.
The death of Oliver Tree marks a sudden loss for the contemporary pop‑rock and alternative music community. His career, spanning viral singles, chart‑topper collaborations, and a global touring schedule, had positioned him as a rising star in the 2020s. The investigation into the crash remains ongoing, and authorities have yet to release further details about the cause or the identification of the victims’ remains.