Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — A tragic mid-air collision involving two helicopters on June 14, 2026, resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including renowned singer Oliver Tree Nickell, age 32. The incident occurred over a car dealership, igniting several vehicles at the crash site in the city’s Recreio dos Bandeirantes area. The local Civil Police confirmed the fatalities shortly after the event, prompting a swift investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Nickell was accompanied by four others aboard one helicopter, which included passengers Lucas Vignale, Argentinian YouTuber Gaspar Prim, known as Gaspi, and Lucas Brito Chaves, along with pilot Alexandre Souza. The second helicopter was piloted solely by Charles Marsillac. Local authorities reported that the victims were severely burned and could not be immediately identified, leading to a request for a forensic examination as part of a larger investigation spearheaded by the Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents.
The National Civil Aviation Agency expressed its condolences and reminded the public to thoroughly vet aviation companies and their aircraft before embarking on flights. The agency is collaborating with CENIPA to ascertain the cause of the tragic incident.
Oliver Tree was in the midst of “The World’s First World Tour,” which was slated to feature over 70 performances across 30 countries. He had recently played shows in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and São Paulo, Brazil, prior to the ill-fated flight. Just a day before the tragedy, Tree shared a video on social media, showcasing his time in a Brazilian neighborhood playing football. His next performance was scheduled for July 1 in Lisbon, Portugal.
Hailing from Santa Cruz, California, Tree gained popularity in the mid-2010s through his distinctive fashion and vibrant online persona. His music career began in earnest around 2010, as he opened for major electronic artists like Skrillex and Zeds Dead. His breakthrough came with the widely recognized track “When I’m Down,” produced by Whethan, paving the way for his signing with Atlantic Records in 2017.
In 2020, Tree’s first studio album, “Ugly Is Beautiful,” achieved gold status in the United States, solidifying his place in the music industry. His follow-up work included notable hits such as “Life Goes On,” which garnered international acclaim and over 464 million views on YouTube, and “Miss You,” a collaboration with German producer Robin Schulz that reached No. 3 on the UK singles chart.
Beyond his musical achievements, Tree was known for his artistic flair, directing his own visually striking music videos and engaging fans through creative online promotions. He once remarked on stepping out of his comfort zone, a decision he said revolutionized his career by enabling him to produce original work that resonated deeply with audiences.
In addition to his musical endeavors, Tree set a Guinness World Record in 2020 for the largest kick scooter, elaborating on a lifelong dream realized through this quirky achievement. As fans and fellow artists mourn the loss of a vibrant talent, the investigation into the helicopter crash continues, aiming to bring answers to those left behind by this untimely tragedy.