Oliver Tree Dies in Rio Helicopter Crash; Girlfriend Issues Public Tribute

American singer‑songwriter Oliver Tree Nickell, 32, died on June 14, 2026 after a mid‑air collision between two helicopters over Rio de Janeiro’s Recreio dos Bandeirantes neighborhood. The crash killed six people, including Tree, Argentine YouTuber Gaspar Prim Díaz (known as Gaspi), Argentine director Lucas A. Vignale, Brazilian music producer Lucas Frota, and two other passengers whose identities have not yet been released.

The incident occurred just before 9 a.m. local time, according to the Rio de Janeiro Military Fire Department. One of the helicopters fell onto a car‑dealership parking lot, setting fire to 15 vehicles. Firefighters extinguished the blaze. Police and aviation authorities are conducting a forensic examination of the bodies to confirm identities.

Tree was on the world tour for his fourth studio album, Love You Madly Hate You Badly, which was released in April 2026. He had performed in São Paulo on June 6 and was scheduled to play in Lisbon, Portugal, on July 1.

The state government of Rio de Janeiro issued a statement via X expressing sorrow for the six victims and offering solidarity to their families. The statement said, “We express our deep sorrow for the six victims resulting from the accident involving two aircraft in the Southwest Zone of Rio de Janeiro.”

In the days following the crash, Tree’s girlfriend, Fiona Chernavskaya, posted a tribute on Instagram. On June 17 she shared several photos and videos of the couple, including an image of Tree in a tuxedo. She thanked supporters and urged people to respect her privacy, stating that their relationship had been intimate and monogamous. Chernavskaya also posted an open letter on June 16, recalling their travels to 43 countries and describing Tree as her best friend.

The tribute came amid other public reactions. Former partner Melanie Martinez posted on June 14 that she had been “an absolute wreck” since Tree’s death.

The investigation into the collision is ongoing. The Rio de Janeiro State Civil Police Press Office has confirmed that forensic examination will be used to identify the victims. No official cause of the collision has been announced.

Tree’s career began in 2010 when he was 17. He signed with Atlantic Records in 2017 after the viral success of “When I’m Down.” His debut album, Ugly Is Beautiful, was released in July 2020 and produced the gold‑ and platinum‑certified singles “Alien Boy,” “Hurt,” “Miracle Man,” and “Let Me Down.” Subsequent releases include Cowboy Tears (February 2022), Alone in a Crowd (September 2023), and Love You Madly Hate You Badly (April 2026). He was known for blending genres and for his theatrical stage presence.

The crash is part of a broader context of aviation incidents in Brazil. The country has experienced several high‑profile accidents in recent years, and the investigation will involve Brazilian aviation authorities.

As of now, the identities of all six victims remain pending confirmation. The investigation will continue to determine the circumstances that led to the collision.

The entertainment community has responded with tributes and condolences, and the incident has prompted discussions about the safety of helicopter travel for touring artists.

The next steps will include the completion of forensic examinations, the release of official findings by Brazilian aviation authorities, and the potential rescheduling of Tree’s remaining tour dates.