Oliver Tree, Alt-Pop Singer and Internet Personality, Dies in Helicopter Collision Over Rio de Janeiro

Oliver Tree Nickell, the 32-year-old alt-pop musician and internet personality, died when two helicopters collided over Rio de Janeiro, according to authorities. All six people aboard both aircraft were killed in the Sunday morning crash, which caused one helicopter to fall onto a car dealership parking lot and ignite approximately 20 vehicles.

The Incident

The collision occurred in the western zone of Rio de Janeiro around 09:00 local time. Firefighters and the Military Fire Department of the State of Rio de Janeiro responded to the scene, where footage from Brazilian media showed one helicopter dropping from the sky amid flames and thick smoke. Investigators have launched an inquiry into the cause of the mid-air collision.

The second helicopter's manifest identified the pilot as Charles Marsillac. The first aircraft carried five passengers and crew: Tree, content creator Gaspar Prim Diaz (known as Gaspi), Lucas Brito Chaves, Lucas Vignale, and pilot Alexandre Souza.

Tree's Career and Recent Activities

Born in Santa Cruz, California in 1993, Tree gained widespread recognition in 2016 after viral social media success. His distinctive bowl haircut became part of his public identity, and he built a substantial following across multiple platforms. His discography included songs such as Life Goes On, Miss You, and Alien Boy. In 2024, he received a Brit Award nomination for Miss You, a collaboration with German producer Robin Schulz.

At the time of the crash, Tree was in the early stages of a world tour. His most recent performance took place in São Paulo, Brazil on 6 June. He had been scheduled to perform in Lisbon on 1 July, followed by dates in Glasgow, Manchester, and London in September.

Tributes from Collaborators

Fellow artists and collaborators shared remembrances following the announcement. YouTuber and Britain's Got Talent judge KSI, who had worked with Tree on the track Voices, posted an emotional statement on X. Steve-O, known for the Jackass series, described Tree as a considerate friend who regularly checked in on his wellbeing and expressed genuine care for those around him.