Among those believed to have been on board was US musician and internet personality Oliver Tree, known for his viral rise and genre-blending sound. He was 32.
Helicopter collision sparks fire and destruction
The crash occurred over Rio de Janeiro on Sunday morning, when two helicopters reportedly collided in midair. One of the aircraft went down violently, with Brazilian media footage showing it plummeting before erupting into flames on impact.
The wreckage landed near a car dealership, where the impact and resulting blaze destroyed around 20 vehicles. Thick smoke and fire were seen rising from the site as emergency crews rushed in.
“The Military Fire Department of the State of Rio de Janeiro said emergency officials were called to the scene around 9am local time,” according to authorities responding to the disaster.
Brazilian officials have since confirmed that an investigation has been opened to determine what led to the collision.
Victims identified as investigations begin
Authorities have begun identifying those believed to have been on board the aircraft. Alongside Oliver Tree, Argentine content creator Gaspar Prim Diaz—known online as Gaspi—was also reportedly among the passengers.
Other names listed on the helicopter manifest include Lucas Brito Chaves, Lucas Vignale, and pilot Alexandre Souza. The second helicopter was reportedly piloted by Charles Marsillac.
As of now, officials have not released full confirmation on the final victim count beyond the six fatalities reported at the scene.
A career marked by viral fame and eccentric artistry
Born Oliver Tree Nickell in Santa Cruz, California, Oliver Tree first broke into public attention in 2016 after going viral online. His blend of alternative pop, electronic influences, and satirical visuals quickly set him apart in a crowded digital music landscape.
He became widely recognized for tracks such as Life Goes On, Miss You, and Alien Boy, as well as his instantly recognizable bowl haircut and theatrical public persona.
Over the years, his career expanded from viral novelty to mainstream recognition, earning him a nomination for a Brit Award in 2024 for Miss You, a collaboration with German producer Robin Schulz.
Tree had recently returned to international touring, performing in São Paulo, Brazil on June 6. He had been scheduled to continue a global tour with upcoming shows in Lisbon on July 1, followed by dates in Glasgow, Manchester, and London in September.
Tributes from across the entertainment world
Following news of the crash, tributes began circulating online from fellow artists and collaborators.
British YouTuber and musician KSI, who worked with Tree on the song Voices, wrote in an emotional post on X:
“You’re a legend and will always be a legend. Still doesn’t feel real,” KSI wrote.
Television personality and Jackass star Steve-O also shared his grief, describing a personal connection with the musician:
“I was incredibly lucky to become friends with Oliver Tree,” he wrote.
A legacy that stretched beyond music
Beyond music, Tree also gained attention for unconventional achievements, including setting a Guinness World Record in 2020 for building the world’s largest kick scooter—another reflection of his offbeat, spectacle-driven approach to creativity.
As investigations continue in Brazil, authorities are working to establish what caused the fatal collision that abruptly ended a touring schedule, a global fan base, and a career defined by unpredictability and reinvention.