American Singer Oliver Tree dead in Brazil Helicopter Crash

Six people died Sunday morning when two helicopters collided in midair above Rio de Janeiro, among them American singer and comedian Oliver Tree, who was 32. Tree had built an international following through songs including “Life Goes On” and “Alien Boy.”Fernandes de Freitas, a tire repair worker near the scene, described watching one of the helicopters catch fire following the collision and seeing a passenger leap from the second aircraft before it hit the ground. “It was terrifying, absolutely horrifying,” De Freitas said.Rio de Janeiro’s Military Fire Department confirmed one of the helicopters went down in the yard of a car dealership in the city’s western zone, where the wreckage triggered a blaze among several parked electric vehicles before crews extinguished it.

Police said Tree appeared on the passenger list submitted to aviation authorities, though the identities of the six victims had yet to be confirmed at the time. Authorities said they opened an investigation into what caused the collision.Argentine streaming channel Blender confirmed that Gaspar Prim Díaz, the content creator known online as Gaspi, was also on one of the helicopters. He was 23 years old and had more than 2.8 million YouTube followers.Blender posted a tribute on its X account, thanking Gaspi for his art, magic, and sensibility, and saying every member of the team would miss him.Tree had been active in Brazil in the days before the crash, having performed in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on June 4. He posted a video to his Instagram on Saturday showing himself playing soccer in a Brazilian neighborhood.Tree had announced “Oliver Tree World’s First World Tour” in May, with the South American leg opening May 30 in Mexico and closing with a June 6 concert in São Paulo, which proved to be his final performance. Portugal was next on the schedule, with a show set for July 13, followed by Australian dates in October at Sydney’s Enmore Theatre, Melbourne’s Forum, and venues in Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide.

Tree built his profile in the 2010s by self-releasing music online under the name “Tree.” His debut EP, Demons, featured a cover of Radiohead’s “Karma Police” that received the endorsement of frontman Thom Yorke.

He had grown to more than 11 million monthly listeners on Spotify and was known for staging his own stunts during live shows. His 2023 collaboration with German DJ Robin Schulz, “Miss You,” received a nomination for international song of the year at the 2024 Brit Awards.Love You Madly, Hate You Badly, released in May, was Tree’s first full-length project following a three-year hiatus.Schulz posted a tribute to his Instagram story, extending condolences to Tree’s family, friends, and everyone who had loved him, and describing Tree as a lovely soul and a one-of-a-kind character. “I can’t believe Oliver is gone,” Schulz said, adding that their collaboration on “Miss You” had been an honour.

British internet personality and entrepreneur Olajide Olayinka Williams “JJ” Olatunji, known online as KSI, also published a tribute on Instagram. Olatunji wrote that Tree should still be here with so much life, music, and content ahead of him, called him a legend whose status would never fade, and said the loss still did not feel real and left him genuinely sick.

WWE's Logan Paul honored the late Oliver Tree, who was among the six passengers who passed away in a helicopter crash.

Singer Oliver Tree, who was on a world tour, was listed among the six passengers who died in a helicopter crash in Brazil on June 14, 2026. Firefighters noted that two helicopters collided just before 9 AM local time over Rio De Janeiro and crashed in the city's western zone. Tree's name was on the list given to aviation authorities, but they haven't been able to identify any of the bodies. Five bodies were found in one helicopter, while the other victim was found in the second aircraft.

Amid the pouring tributes, WWE Superstar Logan Paul took to Instagram to pay an emotional homage to the Life Goes On singer, saying he's gutted over the 32-year-old's passing."I'm still in denial that one of my favorite people is no longer with us. I'm absolutely gutted, words can't describe how special Oliver was to so many people. Tragedy has taken life way too soon, with so much creativity and vibrance and talent. I'd like to think he's on his next adventure somewhere in the universe. Horrible horrible horrible, I don't even know how to process this. Rest in peace Lucas Vignale, Lucas Chaves, Gaspi & Oliver. Love you brother we are all going to miss you @olivertree," Logan Paul wrote.Logan Paul is currently recovering from a serious triceps injury. However, the former United States Champion returned to WWE television in a non-wrestling capacity on last night's episode of RAW. He came out wearing a large elbow brace and tried to recruit Je'Von Evans to The Vision.

American singer Oliver Tree was reported dead following a plane crash in June 2026. He was 32.

Two helicopters crashed into each other in Brazil, resulting in six fatalities. According to CNN Brazil, Tree (full name Oliver Tree Nickell) was among those reportedly on board at the time of the crash.Us Weekly has reached out to a representative for Tree for comment.Scroll down to learn more about the accident and Tree's death and the fatal crash:

When Did Oliver Tree Die?

Tree reportedly died on June 14 while traveling in Brazil amid his world tour. The "Life Goes On" singer had recently performed in São Paulo on June 6 and was scheduled to take the stage on July 1 in Lisbon, Portugal.

How Did Oliver Tree Die?

According to reports, two helicopters collided southwest of Rio de Janeiro. Six people were found dead following the crash, with Tree's name being on the list of passengers given to aviation authorities. Police, however, revealed they have yet to identify the bodies.

After colliding in the air, one helicopter fell onto a car dealership parking lot, causing a fire involving 15 cars, per authorities. The blaze was later extinguished.

Who Died in the Plane Crash?

Authorities reported that all five travelers, including the pilot in one helicopter were killed. The solo traveler who was piloting the second helicopter also died, per the fire department. The names of the victims, however, have not been released by police.

What Have USA Authorities Said About the Crash?

"We express our deep sorrow for the six victims resulting from the accident involving two aircraft in the Southwest Zone of Rio de Janeiro," the Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro said in a post via X. "In this moment of pain, I express my solidarity to the family members and friends of the victims of the tragedy."

A spokesperson for Rio de Janeiro's State Civil Police Press Office told USA Today that an investigation is underway in Recreio dos Bandeirantes to determine "the causes of the aircraft crash."The Portuguese statement confirmed that the six bodies "will undergo forensic examination for identification."Following a forensic examination conducted at the scene, the Aeronautical USA Accidents Investigation and Prevention Center will release its report.

USA Today reported that preliminary reports indicate that the reports of the helicopters colliding in mid-air and crashing "into the parking lot of an electric car dealership, igniting a fire that consumed at least 20 vehicles" is correct.The alt-pop US musician and internet personality Oliver Tree was among six people who died when the helicopter he was travelling in collided with another in Brazil.The 32-year-old had been on a world tour when the crash occurred over

Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. One of the helicopters then fell onto the car park of a dealership, setting around 20 vehicles ablaze.Footage published by Brazilian media shows one of the helicopters dropping from the sky, as well as flames and thick smoke rising from the crash site.

USA Authorities say an investigation into the cause of the USA collision is now under way.The Military Fire Department of the State of Rio de Janeiro said it was called to the crash site around 09:00 local time (12:00 GMT).Argentine content creator Gaspar Prim Diaz - also known as Gaspi - was also believed to have been in one of the helicopters, according to the Associated Press.The other passengers on the helicopter's manifest were Lucas Brito Chaves, Lucas Vignale and pilot Alexandre Souza. The crew manifest for the second aircraft lists only the pilot, Charles Marsillac.

Tree - born Oliver Tree Nickell in Santa Cruz, USA California in 1993 - first rose to fame in 2016 after going viral on social media.With his distinctive bowl haircut, he was known for hits including Life Goes On, Miss You and Alien Boy.Tree had just begun a world tour, with his most recent show in São Paulo, Brazil on 6 June. He was next scheduled to perform in Lisbon, in Portugal, on 1 July and had been due to play dates in Glasgow, Manchester and London in September.YouTuber KSI, who collaborated with him on the track Voices, paid an emotional tribute.

In a post shared on X, Britain's Got Talent judge KSI said: "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."

Jackass star Steve-O, real name Stephen Glover, also paid tribute to the late singer online, sharing a photograph of the two of them together."I was incredibly lucky to become friends with Oliver Tree," he wrote."He would check in on me regularly, and let me know he cared about how I was doing. Such a great USA person... I'm going to miss him."

Tree was nominated for a Brit Award in USA 2024 for his song Miss You, alongside German producer Robin Schulz.

In 2020, he broke the Guinness world record for building the largest kick scooter at 4.16m tall and 3.13m long.

Singer Oliver Tree has reportedly tragically passed away at age 32 after an unfortunate helicopter crash. As per a report by CNN, Tree was identified as one of the six casualties involved in the shocking case of two helicopters crashing on Sunday, June 14. The crash took place in Recreio dos Bandeirantes, in the Southwest Zone of Rio de Janeiro. Notably, Tree had shared some interesting details about his first trip to Brazil before his ill-fated demise.

Singer Oliver Tree dies at age 32, Report Claims

Oliver Tree has reportedly died at 32 due to a tragic helicopter crash. As per CNN, the other passengers who have unfortunately died in the crash include: Lucas Vignale, Gaspar Prim, Lucas Brito Chaves, and pilots Alexandre Souza and Charles Marsillac.

As per the outlet, two helicopters clashed with one another while still being in the air early Sunday morning. USA Reportedly, the helicopters were flying over an electric vehicle yard. At least 20 cars were set on fire because of the two helicopters colliding with one another. Notably, Tree was on a flight with Vignale, Prim, Chaves, and Souza.The "Life Goes On" hitmaker was visiting South America as part of his "The World's First World Tour." Tree had just performed a show in São Paulo on June 6 (via Page Six). Tree also documented some happy and wholesome moments from his first trip to Brazil and shared them with fans on social media.Influencer Iae Break and Tree shared a joint video just a day before the 32-year-old singer's unfortunate demise. The video is titled: "An American's first time in Brazil." In the video, Tree donned the Brazil football team's jersey and can be seen playing football with a bunch of kids.

As per the video, he got a haircut, declared himself Neymar, danced around with a replica of the World Cup trophy, and grilled some meat.USA Fans and colleagues have shared their sincere condolences for the "Miss You" crooner. One fan commented, "Brother, I'm going to miss you. I was looking forward to seeing you again. So sad you're not here anymore." A second fan wrote, "Oliver Tree, I loved your singles. Your music will always be a part of me and my sister's life."Alternative pop rock musician Oliver Tree died in a helicopter crash in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on June 14. The “Alien Boy” singer was among six passengers killed when two helicopters collided midair and crashed in a car dealership parking lot. He was just 32 years old.The Civil Police of the State of Rio de Janeiro is currently investigating the cause of the collision. While the bodies of the six victims have not yet been examined and identified, Tree’s name was listed on the flight manifest.Prior to the crash, the singer-songwriter was on his world tour to promote his fourth studio album Love You Madly, Hate You Badly, released this April. He had just performed in São Paulo on June 6 and was next slated to play several concerts in USA Europe.

Who Was Oliver Tree?

Oliver Tree Nickell was born on June 29, 1993, in Santa Cruz, USA California. Growing up, Tree’s parents, Christine Marie Begin and Jesse Louis Nickell III, worked as traveling circus performers. For much of his childhood, he lived in a mobile home before his parents settled in Santa Cruz.Tree took an interest in music at an early age, learning to play piano as a toddler. He soon took up guitar and began singing, joining a ska band called Irony in middle school. Tree later gravitated toward hip-hop and electronic music in high school and started working as a DJ.

The USA musician first launched his solo career in 2010, initially self-releasing music under the pseudonym Kryph before switching to his middle name Tree. In 2013, he signed to R&S Records and released his debut EP Demons, for which he gained attention for his cover of “Karma Police” by Radiohead.After this initial success, Tree returned to school, studying business at San Francisco State University. After two years, he transferred to California Institute of the Arts, graduating with a degree in music technology in 2017.

It was around this time that he adopted his comedic persona, complete with his signature bowl cut and ’80s aesthetic, and started going by Oliver Tree. Signing with Atlantic Records, Tree released his first studio album Ugly Is Beautiful in 2020, which debuted at No. 14 on the Billboard 200 chart. The track “Alien Boy” became one of his earliest breakout hits, followed by “Life Goes On,” off the deluxe edition of the record. The latter also became his first song to make it onto USA Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.

After releasing his sophomore effort Cowboy Tears in 2022, Tree delivered 2023’s Alone in a Crowd, featuring the hit “Miss You” with Robin Schulz, which earned him a 2024 Brit Award nomination for International Song of the Year.

In April, however, he announced he was leaving Atlantic Records, claiming that it refused to release his latest album Love You Madly, Hate You Badly. “After making tens of millions of dollars over 8 years for Atlantic Records, they no longer want to support my art because I’m not making songs for TikTok,” Tree said in an Instagram reel. “I never got into this to make TikTok songs.” As a result, he released the record through his independent imprint Alien Boy USA Records.

Posted on 2026/06/17 09:10 AM