Tragedy struck in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday morning as two helicopters collided midair, claiming the lives of six individuals, including the renowned singer Oliver Tree. Authorities confirmed the accident occurred over the Recreio dos Bandeirantes neighborhood, sparking an intense investigation to uncover the cause of the collision.
The Rio de Janeiro Civil Police reported that Oliver Tree, aged 32, was aboard one of the helicopters along with four others: Argentine filmmaker Lucas Vignale, Argentine YouTuber Gaspar Prim, Lucas Brito Chaves, and pilot Alexandre Souza. The second helicopter was piloted solely by Charles Marsillac, who also perished in the crash.
Firefighters described one helicopter crashing into a parking lot designated for electric vehicles, igniting a large fire that engulfed approximately 20 cars. The resulting thick black smoke was visible from various parts of Rio de Janeiro as emergency teams rushed to the scene.
Investigators found five victims inside one helicopter, with the second aircraft landing about 100 meters away. Tragically, all six passengers and pilots aboard both helicopters lost their lives.
A brief look at Oliver Tree’s career
Oliver Tree Nickell, born in Santa Cruz, California, gained international fame for his unique blend of alternative pop, rock, and electronic music genres. Known for his eccentric style, which included a signature bowl haircut and a vibrant public persona, Tree captivated audiences worldwide. His notable tracks include “Life Goes On,” “Miss You” (a collaboration with Robin Schulz), “Alien Boy,” and “Let Me Down.”