US Alt‑Pop Star Oliver Tree Killed in Brazil Helicopter Crash

Mon Jun 15 2026 18:34:43 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

US musician Oliver Tree died in a helicopter crash over Rio de Janeiro that claimed six lives.

Alt‑pop star Oliver Tree (32) was among six victims when two helicopters collided over Rio de Janeiro on 15 June 2026. The crash set a dealership’s car park ablaze and sparked a formal investigation into the cause. Royal guests include Argentine content creator Gaspar Prim Diaz and others aboard the same aircraft. Fellow artists KSI and Steve‑O paid heartfelt tributes online.

US Alt‑Pop Star Oliver Tree Killed in Brazil Helicopter Crash

Oliver Tree performing on stage — Oliver Tree, known for hits like "Life Goes On" and "Miss You", performed in Brazil in June 2024.

At 32, Oliver Tree was on a world tour when, on 15 June 2026, a helicopter he was aboard collided with another over Rio de Janeiro, killing six people.

The crash site, near Recreio dos Bandeirantes, saw one helicopter fall onto a dealership car park, setting about 20 vehicles ablaze. Video footage released by Brazilian media shows a helicopter dropping from the sky and flames erupting.

Authorities announced an investigation into the cause of the collision. The Military Fire Department of Rio de Janeiro was dispatched to the site around 09:00 local time (12:00 GMT).

Passengers aboard the first helicopter included Argentine content creator Gaspar Prim Diaz (Gaspi) and others such as Lucas Brito Chaves, Lucas Vignale and pilot Alexandre Souza. The second aircraft carried pilot Charles Marsillac.

Oliver Tree, born Oliver Tree Nickell in Santa Cruz, California in 1993, first gained viral fame in 2016 via social media. He had kicked off a world tour, performing in São Paulo on 6 June, with dates planned for Lisbon on 1 July and several UK shows in September.

KSI, who collaborated with Tree on the track "Voices", posted on X: "Can't believe I have to type this. You were 32, you should still be here. You still had so much life to live, music to produce... You’re a legend and will always be a legend. I love you bro."
Steve‑O, the famed stuntman and comedian, shared a photo and wrote, "I was incredibly lucky to become friends with Oliver Tree ... I’m going to miss him."

Tree was also nominated for a Brit Award in 2024 for his song "Miss You" with German producer Robin Schulz, and had set a Guinness record in 2020 for building the largest kick‑scooter.