**US Musician Oliver Tree Dies in Helicopter Collision in Brazil**
Tragic news has emerged from Brazil as US alt-pop musician and internet personality Oliver Tree has died in a helicopter collision. The incident occurred on Sunday over Rio de Janeiro, claiming the lives of six individuals, including the 32-year-old artist.
Oliver Tree, whose full name is Oliver Tree Nickell, was on a world tour at the time of the accident. Reports indicate that one of the helicopters involved in the collision fell onto a car park of a local dealership, igniting a fire that engulfed approximately 20 vehicles. Eyewitness footage captured by Brazilian media shows the helicopter plummeting from the sky, followed by flames and thick smoke rising from the crash site.
The Military Fire Department of the State of Rio de Janeiro responded to the scene around 9:00 AM local time (12:00 GMT). An investigation into the cause of the collision has been initiated by authorities. Among the other victims was Argentine content creator Gaspar Prim Diaz, known as Gaspi, along with passengers Lucas Brito Chaves, Lucas Vignale, and pilot Alexandre Souza. The second helicopter involved in the crash reportedly had only its pilot, Charles Marsillac, on board.
Born in Santa Cruz, California, in 1993, Oliver Tree gained fame in 2016 after his music went viral on social media platforms. He was recognized for his unique style, characterized by his distinctive bowl haircut and eclectic fashion sense. Tree was known for hit songs such as "Life Goes On," "Miss You," and "Alien Boy."
At the time of his passing, Tree had just completed a performance in São Paulo, Brazil, on June 6 and was scheduled to continue his tour with a show in Lisbon, Portugal, on July 1, followed by dates in Glasgow, Manchester, and London in September. His music and persona resonated with a wide audience, making him a prominent figure in the alt-pop scene.
Tributes have poured in from fellow artists and fans alike. YouTuber KSI, who collaborated with Tree on the track "Voices," expressed his shock and sorrow in a heartfelt post on social media. "Can't believe I'm actually having to type this. You're 32 man. You should still be here. You still had so much life to live. So much music to make. So much content to make," KSI wrote. He concluded his tribute by calling Tree a legend and expressing his love for him.
Jackass star Steve-O, whose real name is Stephen Glover, also shared his condolences online, reminiscing about their friendship. "I was incredibly lucky to become friends with Oliver Tree. He would check in on me regularly, and let me know he cared about how I was doing. Such a great person... I'm going to miss him," he wrote alongside a photograph of the two.
In recognition of his contributions to music, Tree was nominated for a Brit Award in 2024 for his song "Miss You," which he co-created with German producer Robin Schulz. Additionally, in 2020, he made headlines for breaking a Guinness World Record by building the largest kick scooter, measuring 0.16 meters tall and 3.13 meters long.
The sudden loss of Oliver Tree has left a significant void in the music community, and fans around the world are mourning the passing of a talented artist who had much more to offer. As investigations into the helicopter crash continue, the impact of Tree's legacy will undoubtedly endure through his music and the memories shared by those who knew him.