Helicopter Collision Over Rio de Janeiro Claims Six Lives, Including Singer Oliver Tree
On Sunday, June 14, 2026, a sudden midair collision over Rio de Janeiro’s southwest zone claimed six lives, including American pop‑star Oliver Tree. The accident, which unfolded near the Recreio dos Bandeirantes neighborhood, was confirmed by local police and acting Rio de Janeiro State Governor Claudio Castro.
Firefighters arrived on the scene around 9 a.m., after the first helicopter—carrying Tree, Argentine YouTuber Gaspi, a music producer, a music‑video director, and the pilot—and a second aircraft, reported to have only its pilot aboard, collided in midair. Security footage circulating online shows one helicopter spinning uncontrollably before impact, and a subsequent video captures a large black plume of smoke rising from the wreckage as the aircraft burst into flames.
Oliver Tree, born Oliver Tree Nickell in Santa Cruz, California, was 32 years old. He was in Brazil on a world tour, having performed in São Paulo the week prior. Tree first attracted attention with the 2017 viral single “When I’m Down” and later released the 2020 album Ugly Is Beautiful, which peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard 200 and topped rock and alternative charts. Subsequent releases include Cowboy Tears (2022), Alone in a Crowd (2023), and his final studio album Love You Madly Hate You Badly (April 2026). At the time of his death, Tree had more than 11 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
Gaspi, whose real name is Gaspar Prim Díaz, was 23. He was known in Argentina for comedic YouTube videos and online challenges. His death was confirmed by Argentine media and social‑media posts from his followers.
Investigators say the collision occurred in midair before the wreckage crashed into a car dealership in the western part of the city, where several electric vehicles were parked. The fire service extinguished the blaze, but the cause of the collision remains under scrutiny. Authorities have not yet released a detailed accident report.
The crash also claimed the lives of a music producer, a music‑video director, and a pilot, all of whom were traveling with Tree and Gaspi. The second helicopter’s pilot was the sole occupant of that aircraft.
The incident has drawn worldwide attention from the entertainment community. Tributes have appeared on social‑media platforms and in music‑industry outlets, noting Tree’s influence on the alternative music scene and Gaspi’s popularity among Latin‑American internet audiences.
At present, no additional information has been released regarding the circumstances that led to the midair collision. The investigation will determine whether mechanical failure, pilot error, or another factor caused the tragedy. Until the findings are published, the entertainment industry and the families of the victims await further details.
The incident underscores the risks associated with aerial travel in densely populated urban areas and highlights the need for continued safety oversight in aviation operations.
