In brief
The 32‑year‑old American singer‑songwriter Oliver Tree was among six people who lost their lives when two helicopters collided off the coast of Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. The fatal incident occurred during the musician’s world‑tour tour, shortly before the final show in São Paulo. One of the wrecked helicopters crashed onto a car‑park, igniting a blaze that destroyed about twenty cars. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collision. Friends and fellow artists, including KSI and Steve‑O, have expressed their grief publicly, highlighting Tree’s distinctive style and musical impact.
The 32‑year‑old American singer‑songwriter Oliver Tree, born Oliver Tree Nickell, was among six casualties when the helicopter he was aboard collided with another over Rio de Janeiro on Sunday.
The tragedy unfolded near the city’s waterfront, where one of the helicopters crashed into a car‑park at a nearby dealership, setting roughly twenty vehicles ablaze and leaving a cloud of smoke that painted the sky. Footage released by local media shows a fallen helicopter and the resulting flames.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the collision, with the Military Fire Department of the State of Rio de Janeiro summoned to the scene at around 09:00 local time (12:00 GMT).
Tree was only a day away from his next scheduled concert in Lisbon, Portugal, after performing the previous night’s show in São Paulo. He had just begun a global tour that also included upcoming dates in Glasgow, Manchester and London.
The alt‑pop icon, known for his bowl haircut and hits such as “Life Goes On,” “Miss You,” and “Alien Boy,” was also reported to have been accompanied by Argentine content creator Gaspar Prim Diaz and other crew members on the ill‑fated flight.
Heritage‑wise, Tree gained early fame in 2016 after his social‑media videos went viral, and he had broken a Guinness world record for the largest kick scooter in 2020. He was nominated for a Brit Award in 2024 for the single “Miss You.”
KSI, a frequent collaborator, posted a heartfelt tribute on X, while Jackass star Steve‑O shared a photograph of the two together, both expressing deep sorrow over the loss of a friend and creative partner.
