US musician Oliver Tree, 32, has died in a helicopter crash in Brazil, according to reports. The alternative singer and internet personality was among six people killed when two helicopters collided over Rio de Janeiro on Sunday morning.
Collision over Rio de Janeiro
Two helicopters collided mid-air in the western suburb of Recreio dos Bandeirantes and crashed in the city's western zone. One helicopter crashed on a car dealership, igniting a fire that was extinguished by firefighters. About 20 electric vehicles were set ablaze.
Rio de Janeiro's military fire department confirmed the incident. Officials said an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collision.
Victims identified
A police source told AFP that Tree was aboard one of the helicopters, leaving all occupants dead. The victims could not be formally identified yet as they were badly burned. Passengers alongside Tree included a Brazilian music producer, an Argentine video director, and Argentine YouTuber Gaspar Prim, known as Gaspi.
One helicopter carried five people, the other only the pilot. There were no survivors.
Oliver Tree's career
Tree, known for his distinctive bowl haircut and internet persona, was famous for songs including Life Goes On, Miss You, and Alien Boy. He had more than 11 million monthly listeners on Spotify, with top songs listened to over 700 million times.
He was on a world tour with over 70 shows across 30 countries on seven continents. He performed in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 4 June, and shared a video playing football in a Brazilian neighbourhood on Saturday.
In 2024, he was nominated for the international song Brit award with German producer Robin Schulz for Miss You, which peaked at No. 3 in the UK singles chart.
In 2020, he broke the Guinness world record for the largest kick scooter at 4.16 metres tall and 3.13 metres long, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
