Singer Oliver Tree has tragically died at the age of 32 following a devastating helicopter crash in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, authorities confirmed Sunday.
The artist, born Oliver Tree Nickel and known worldwide for his platinum hits "Life Goes On" and "Miss You," was identified as one of the six casualties involved in the mid-air collision over Recreio dos Bandeirantes in the Southwest zone of Rio de Janeiro, according to CNN.
According to reports, two helicopters collided early Sunday morning while flying over an electric vehicle yard. At least 20 cars were set ablaze after being struck by debris at the crash site. The local Civil Police have confirmed that the case remains under active investigation, and a forensic examination of the scene has been requested.
The other victims were identified as passengers Lucas Vignale, Gaspar Prim (also known as Argentinian YouTuber Gaspi), Lucas Brito Chaves, and pilots Alexandre Souza and Charles Marsillac. Tree was onboard a helicopter with Vignale, Prim, Chaves, and Souza, while Marsillac was flying solo in the other aircraft.
In a statement, the Brazilian Air Force confirmed that investigators from the Third Regional Service for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (SERIPA III), based in Rio de Janeiro, have been dispatched to carry out the Initial Action of the incident. Fire Department units, Traffic Engineering Company personnel, and local police teams have been working tirelessly to isolate and secure the area.
Tree was in South America as part of "The World's First World Tour." He had performed a show in São Paulo on June 6 and was scheduled to resume the tour in Lisbon, Portugal, on July 13.
Born in Santa Cruz, California, Tree first rose to prominence at age 17 in 2010, collaborating with major electronic artists including Skrillex and Zeds Dead under the moniker Tree. After releasing an independent album in 2013, he stepped away from music to pursue studies in music technology before making a triumphant return in 2020 with his debut studio album, "Ugly Is Beautiful," which featured the multiplatinum single "Life Goes On." He followed up with "Cowboy Tears," "Alone in a Crowd," and his most recent album, "Love You Madly Hate You Badly," released in April 2026.
Fans and fellow artists have begun flooding social media with tributes, remembering Tree for his eccentric persona, genre-blending sound, and unapologetic creative vision. The investigation into the cause of the collision remains ongoing, with Brazilian aviation authorities leading the inquiry.
Sources: Page Six, CNN
