RIO DE JANEIRO — American singer Oliver Tree was among six people killed when two helicopters collided mid-air over western Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, Brazilian authorities said.
The collision occurred around 9 a.m. local time in the Recreio dos Bandeirantes neighborhood, according to Rio de Janeiro’s Military Fire Department. One helicopter crashed into the parking lot of a BYD electric car dealership, igniting a fire that damaged multiple vehicles, officials reported.
Authorities confirmed that all six people aboard the two helicopters died in the crash. Oliver Tree, whose real name was Oliver Tree Nickell, was listed among the passengers, Rio Civil Police said. Other victims included Argentine YouTuber Gaspar Prim Díaz, known as Gaspi, his video director Lucas Vignale, and the two pilots, according to Brazilian media reports citing police.
Tree, 32, was known for viral hits including “Life Goes On” and “Miss You.” He had recently performed in Buenos Aires and posted on social media about activities in Brazil shortly before the incident.
A witness, tire repair worker Fernandes de Freitas, told reporters he saw one helicopter in flames after the collision and observed a passenger jump from the other aircraft before it hit the ground. “It was terrifying, absolutely horrifying,” de Freitas said.
The cause of the mid-air collision remains under investigation, with officials stating that details were still being determined. Aviation authorities have not released full information on the helicopters’ operators or flight plans.
The crash occurred as Tree was reportedly traveling in the area. No immediate details were available on the purpose of the flights. Brazilian officials said identification of the bodies was ongoing.
Tributes to Tree and the other victims began appearing on social media from fans, collaborators and fellow artists. The incident is one of the deadliest involving civil helicopters in the region in recent years.
As of Monday, emergency services had secured the site and extinguished the fire. Investigators from Brazilian aviation and police agencies continued work at the scene. Further updates on the investigation and any preliminary findings were expected in coming days. Details on funeral arrangements for the victims were not immediately available.
