Tragic Helicopter Crash Claims Life of Singer Oliver Tree at 32

Oliver Tree, the artist behind hits like “Life Goes On” and “Miss You,” is dead at 32. The singer was one of six victims in a devastating helicopter crash.

The incident unfolded in Recreio dos Bandeirantes, located in the Southwest zone of Rio de Janeiro. Alongside Tree, the deceased include passengers Lucas Vignale, Gaspar Prim—known as Argentinian YouTuber Gaspi—Lucas Brito Chaves, and pilots Alexandre Souza and Charles Marsillac.

Two helicopters collided mid-air early Sunday morning while traversing an electric vehicle yard. The crash ignited at least 20 cars on the ground, engulfing them in flames.

Local Civil Police confirmed to authorities that an investigation is underway, with a forensic examination of the crash site requested.

Tree was aboard one helicopter with Vignale, Prim, Chaves, and Souza. Marsillac piloted the other aircraft solo.

Emergency responders from the local Fire Department, CET (Traffic Engineering Company), Comlurb, and teams from 31st BPM (Recreio dos Bandeirantes) have been deployed to secure the area.

The Brazilian Air Force issued a statement detailing their involvement: “The Brazilian Air Force (FAB), through the Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (CENIPA), informs that investigators from the Third Regional Service for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (SERIPA III) were called to carry out the Initial Action of the incident involving two aircraft.”

The statement elaborated on the investigative process: “During the Initial Action, qualified and accredited professionals apply specific techniques for data collection and confirmation, preservation of evidence, initial verification of damage caused to or by the aircraft, and gathering other information necessary for the investigation.”

Tree was in South America as part of his “The World’s First World Tour.” He had just performed in São Paulo on June 6 and was set to resume his tour in Lisbon on July 13.

Born in Santa Cruz, California, Tree gained fame at 17 in 2010, collaborating with major artists like Skrillex and Zeds Dead under the name “Tree.”

After releasing an independent album in 2013, he stepped away from music to study music technology.

He made a comeback in 2020 with his debut studio album “Ugly Is Beautiful,” featuring the platinum hit “Life Goes On.” He followed this with albums “Cowboy Tears,” “Alone in a Crowd,” and his upcoming project titled “Love You Madly Hate You Badly,” set for release in April 2026.