Alt‑Pop Star Oliver Tree Killed in Helicopter Collision Over Rio

Mon Jun 15 2026 11:05:55 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

US musician Oliver Tree dies in helicopter crash in Brazil, as authorities investigate the midair collision that claimed six lives.

Alt‑pop star Oliver Tree, 32, died when his helicopter collided with another over Rio de Janeiro. Six people were killed, including the pilot and other passengers. The crash ignited a fire that set several vehicles ablaze after one helicopter fell onto a dealership lot. Authorities in Brazil are investigating the cause of the collision while fans and fellow musicians mourn the loss of a rising star.

Alt‑Pop Star Oliver Tree Killed in Helicopter Collision Over Rio

US musician Oliver Tree, best known for his distinct bowl haircut and viral hits, was among the six people fatally injured in a helicopter collision over Rio de Janeiro on Sunday.

The 32‑year‑old was in the midst of a world tour when the crash occurred at around 09:00 local time. One of the helicopters crashed onto a dealership car‑park, igniting roughly 20 vehicles and producing thick smoke that could be seen in footage released by Brazilian media.

The first helicopter’s passengers included Tree, Argentine creator Gaspar Prim Diaz (Gaspi), Lucas Brito Chaves, Lucas Vignale, and pilot Alexandre Souza. The second aircraft was crewed only by pilot Charles Marsillac.

A military fire department was dispatched within minutes, and Brazilian authorities launched an investigation into the collision’s cause.

Tree, whose real name is Oliver Tree Nickell, first broke the internet in 2016 and later earned a Guinness World Record in 2020 for building the world’s largest kick scooter. He had just performed in São Paulo on 6 June and was scheduled to play Lisbon, Glasgow, Manchester, and London later in the year.

Tributes poured in from fellow artists, including YouTuber KSI, who wrote on X: “Can’t believe I’m actually having to type this. You’re 32 man. You should still be here. So much life to live. So much music to make.”

Jackass star Steve‑O shared a photo of the two of them together, saying, “I was incredibly lucky to become friends with Oliver Tree. He would check in on me regularly, and I’m going to miss him.”

The incident underscores the risks of celebrity travel while illustrating the sudden loss of a vibrant, emerging talent. Investigators will examine pilot logs, flight data, and the condition of the aircraft for clues on the cause of the collision.