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Singer Oliver Tree and YouTuber Gaspi among six killed as two helicopters collide in Brazil

Euronews World · 2026-06-14

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Two helicopters collided mid-air over Rio de Janeiro, resulting in the deaths of all six individuals on board, including singer Oliver Tree and YouTuber Gaspi. • Why it matters: The incident highlights the dangers of air travel and has significant implications due to the involvement of international figures, prompting an investigation by Brazil's Air Force. • What to watch next: The ongoing investigation by the Aeronautical Accident Investigation and Prevention Centre (Cenipa) will reveal the circumstances surrounding the collision and any potential safety measures that may be implemented.

**Title: Singer Oliver Tree and YouTuber Gaspi Among Six Killed in Helicopter Collision in Rio de Janeiro**

**Date: June 14, 2026**

In a tragic incident on Sunday morning, two helicopters collided mid-air over the Recreio dos Bandeirantes neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, resulting in the deaths of all six individuals on board. Among the deceased were American singer Oliver Tree, 32, and Argentine YouTuber Gaspar Prim, known as Gaspi, 23.

The collision occurred around 09:00 local time (14:00 CEST), with one helicopter carrying five passengers and the other piloted by a single individual. The Brazilian Civil Police have confirmed the identities of the victims as Oliver Tree, passengers Lucas Brito Chaves and Lucas Vignale, content creator Gaspar Prim, and the two pilots, Alexandre Souza and Charles Marsillac.

Fire service spokesperson Fábio Contreras reported that five bodies were recovered from one helicopter, while the sixth was located near the second aircraft. The impact of the crash caused one helicopter to land on land rented by BYD, a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, igniting a fire that damaged around 20 parked cars. The second helicopter crashed approximately 100 meters away but did not catch fire. Debris from the collision was scattered across a wide area, impacting nearby residential and office buildings.

Emergency response teams, including around 45 firefighters and 15 vehicles, were dispatched to the scene. The fire was brought under control within about an hour. Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere confirmed the presence of foreign nationals on board one of the helicopters, highlighting the international implications of this tragic event.

In response to the incident, Brazil's Air Force (FAB) has initiated an investigation. Investigators from the Aeronautical Accident Investigation and Prevention Centre (Cenipa) have been deployed to conduct a formal inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Oliver Tree, born Oliver Tree Nickell on June 29, 1993, in Santa Cruz, California, was known for his distinctive style, characterized by a bowl haircut and oversized clothing. He gained fame with his hit song "When I'm Down" and continued to rise in popularity with tracks like "Life Goes On," "Miss You," and "Alien Boy." His debut album, "Ugly Is Beautiful," achieved significant success, topping two Billboard charts. At the time of his death, Tree was on a 30-country world tour, having recently performed in São Paulo on June 6, with an upcoming concert scheduled in Lisbon on July 1.

Gaspar Prim, known as Gaspi, was a prominent figure in the online content creation community, boasting around 2.8 million subscribers on YouTube. His content primarily consisted of street interviews and prank-style comedy, which resonated with audiences across Latin America and Spain.

As the investigation unfolds, the tragic loss of these six individuals has sent shockwaves through their respective communities and beyond, highlighting the risks associated with air travel and the profound impact of their untimely deaths on fans and followers worldwide.

Source: Euronews World
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