Oliver Tree, singer-songwriter dies in fatal helicopter collision

Brazil: American singer-songwriter Oliver Tree was among six people killed when two helicopters collided over Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, local police said. The aircraft crashed on grounds leased by an electric car dealership, which aggravated the fire due to the vehicles' lithium batteries, said fire brigade spokesperson Fabio Contreiras. Argentine YouTuber Gaspar Prim, known as Gaspi, Argentine director and screenwriter Lucas Vignale along with the pilots are the others who lost their life, authorities said.

Tree, a singer-songwriter, record producer, rapper and filmmaker from Santa Cruz, California, signed to Atlantic Records in 2017 after his song "When I'm Down" went viral. He achieved international recognition with his songs "Life Goes On" in 2021 and "Miss You" in 2022. He was 32.

Several colleagues who shared close bond with Tree took it to their social media to pay their respects in this unexpected loss, including singer-songwriter Melanie Martinez who had shared a brief romantic timeline with Tree back in 2019.  “Rest in peace Oliver. I know you’re making the angels giggle. I’ll be here wondering what stunt and creative project you’re scheming up in heaven.” concluded Melanie in her note she shared on her Instagram story.

Influencer and former boxer KSI, who collaborated with Tree on their hit single 'Voices' shared a picture on X saying,

'Can’t believe I’m actually having to type this. You’re 32 man. You should still be here. You still had so much life to live. So much music to make. So much content to make. You’re a legend and will always be a legend. Still doesn’t feel real. Genuinely feel sick. I love you bro'

Oliver Tree was in Brazil primarily as part of his "World's First World Tour", which included a stop in São Paulo on June 6, 2026. He was also promoting his new album, Love You Madly, Hate You Badly. Authorities say an investigation into the cause of the collision is now under way.