Oliver Tree and YouTuber Gaspi Among Six Killed in Helicopter Collision in Rio de Janeiro

Singer Oliver Tree and content creator Gaspi have died in a helicopter crash that occurred Sunday, June 14, in the Recreio dos Bandeirantes neighborhood of southwestern Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The 32-year-old musician, born Oliver Tree Nickell, and 23-year-old Argentine YouTuber Gaspar Prim were among six people killed when two aircraft collided. Five passengers and crew members were aboard one helicopter, while a solo pilot operated the second aircraft.

Those who perished in the incident were identified as Oliver Tree Nickel (passenger), Lucas Vignale (passenger), Gaspar Prim (passenger), Lucas Brito Chaves (passenger), Alexandre Souza (pilot), and Charles Marsillac (pilot).

Tree had been performing throughout Brazil as part of an active tour schedule. He had just completed a show in São Paulo and was preparing for upcoming performances in Portugal. Shortly before the accident, he shared studio footage on Instagram Stories documenting his ongoing music work.

The collision took place in a parking lot, with the impact affecting approximately 20 vehicles in the area. Multiple cars caught fire following the impact, according to reports from CNN Brazil.

Brazil's Civil Police, along with the Brazilian Air Force's Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (CENIPA), launched an investigation into the collision. The National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) also became involved in examining the circumstances surrounding the crash. The exact cause remains under investigation.

In a statement, ANAC expressed condolences to the families and friends of those involved, while emphasizing to general aviation passengers the importance of verifying company and aircraft credentials before boarding.

Tree built his career after debuting in 2020 with the album Ugly Is Beautiful. He achieved viral success with tracks including "When I'm Down." His most recent studio project, Love You Madly Hate You Badly, arrived several months prior to his death.