Tragic Helicopter Collision Claims Life of US Alt-Pop Musician Oliver Tree/ Image @ BBC
In a devastating incident in Brazil, United States alt-pop artist and internet personality Oliver Tree was among six individuals who lost their lives when the helicopter he was aboard collided with another aircraft.
The crash occurred over Rio de Janeiro on Sunday while the 32-year-old musician was on a world tour.
One of the helicopters plummeted into a dealership parking lot, igniting a fire that engulfed approximately 20 vehicles.
Dramatic footage released by Brazilian media captured one helicopter descending rapidly, accompanied by flames and thick smoke billowing from the crash site.
Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the tragic collision.
The Military Fire Department of the State of Rio de Janeiro responded to the scene around 09:00 local time (12:00 GMT).
Among the passengers believed to be on board was Argentine content creator Gaspar Prim Diaz, known as Gaspi.
The helicopter’s passenger list included Lucas Brito Chaves, Lucas Vignale, and pilot Alexandre Souza.
The second helicopter’s crew manifest only listed pilot Charles Marsillac.
Oliver Tree Nickell, born in Santa Cruz, California, in 1993, gained fame in 2016 after his social media presence skyrocketed.
Recognized for his unique bowl haircut, he was celebrated for hits such as “Life Goes On,” “Miss You,” and “Alien Boy.”
Tree had recently embarked on a world tour, performing his latest show in São Paulo, Brazil, on June 6.
He was scheduled to appear in Lisbon, Portugal, on July 1, with additional performances planned in Glasgow, Manchester, and London in September.
YouTuber KSI, who collaborated with Tree on the track “Voices,” shared a heartfelt tribute online.
In a post on X, the Britain’s Got Talent judge expressed disbelief at the news: “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 create. You’re a legend and will always be a legend. Still doesn’t feel real. Genuinely feel sick. I love you bro.”
Steve-O, known for his role in “Jackass,” also honored the late artist on social media, posting a photo of them together and reflecting on their friendship: “I was incredibly lucky to become friends with Oliver Tree.
He would check in on me regularly and let me know he cared about how I was doing. Such a great person… I’m going to miss him.”
Tree was nominated for a Brit Award in 2024 for his song “Miss You,” alongside German producer Robin Schulz.
In 2020, he set a Guinness World Record for constructing the largest kick scooter, measuring 0.16 meters tall and 3.13 meters long.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong