American alt-pop musician and internet personality Oliver Tree has died at the age of 32 following a mid-air helicopter collision in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Key Highlights:
The tragic incident occurred on Sunday while the singer was travelling during his ongoing world tour.
Authorities confirmed that six people lost their lives when two helicopters collided over the Brazilian city, with one of the aircraft crashing into the car park of a vehicle dealership and igniting a massive fire that engulfed about 20 vehicles.
Dramatic footage circulated by local media showed one of the helicopters plunging from the sky before flames and thick black smoke billowed from the crash site.
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Emergency responders from the Military Fire Department of the State of Rio de Janeiro were dispatched to the scene shortly after the collision. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
Reports indicate that Argentine content creator Gaspar Prim Diaz, popularly known as Gaspi, was also believed to be among those on board one of the helicopters.
Born Oliver Tree Nickell in Santa Cruz, California, Tree rose to prominence in 2016 after gaining widespread attention on social media.
Known for his trademark bowl haircut, oversized outfits and eccentric personality, he built a loyal global following with hit songs such as Life Goes On, Miss You and Alien Boy.
The singer had recently begun a new world tour and performed in São Paulo earlier this month. He was scheduled to continue the tour with upcoming shows in Portugal and the United Kingdom later this year.
Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment industry following news of his death.
British YouTuber and musician KSI, who collaborated with Tree on the song Voices, expressed shock and sadness in a message shared online.
“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,” he wrote.
“You’re a legend and will always be a legend. Still doesn’t feel real. I genuinely feel sick. I love you bro.”
Television personality and stunt performer Steve-O also paid tribute, describing Tree as a caring friend who regularly checked on him and showed genuine concern for others.
Tree’s career included a Brit Award nomination in 2024 for Miss You, a collaboration with German producer Robin Schulz.
Beyond music, he was known for his unconventional stunts and achievements, including setting a Guinness World Record in 2020 for building the world’s largest kick scooter.
His death has sent shockwaves through the music industry and among millions of fans worldwide, bringing an abrupt end to the career of one of modern pop culture’s most distinctive and unconventional artists.
