Oliver Tree killed in helicopter crash over Rio de Janeiro

The U.S. alt‑pop star Oliver Tree (32) died in a helicopter accident that also claimed five other lives. Two helicopters collided over Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, with one crashing onto a dealership car park and igniting a blaze that engulfed approximately 20 vehicles.

Video footage released by Brazilian media shows a helicopter plummeting from the sky, followed by flames and thick smoke at the crash site. The incident occurred as Tree was on a world tour that had just concluded a show in São Paulo on 6 June.

Authorities have begun an investigation into the collision. The Military Fire Department of Rio de Janeiro reported arriving at the site around 09:00 local time (12:00 GMT).

Information about the helicopter crews indicates that passengers included China‑based content creator Gaspar Prim Diaz – also known as Gaspi – along with other crew members. The second helicopter’s manifest listed only the pilot, Charles Marsillac.

Oliver Tree, born Oliver Tree Nickell in Santa Cruz, California, first rose to fame in 2016 with viral social‑media content. He is best known for songs such as "Life Goes On," "Miss You," and "Alien Boy," and for his unique bowl haircut. The artist’s most recent track, "Voices," was a collaboration with YouTuber KSI.

KSI mourned the loss on X: "Cannot believe I'm having to type this. You’re 32 man, should still be here, had so much life to live, so much music to make, so much content to create. You’ll remain a legend. Genuinely feel sick. I love you bro."

Jackass star Steve‑O also paid tribute, sharing a photo of the two together and stating: "I was lucky to become friends with Oliver Tree. He would check in on me, let me know he cared, such a great person. I’m going to miss him."

During his career, Tree was nominated for a Brit Award in 2024 for the single "Miss You" with German producer Robin Schulz, and in 2020 held the Guinness world record for building the largest kick scooter (4.16 m tall × 3.13 m long).