(AP/NYPost) — American singer and performer Oliver Tree was among six people killed Sunday when two helicopters collided midair and crashed in western Rio de Janeiro, authorities said, in a fiery incident that also claimed the life of a rising online creator and several aviation crew members.
The collision occurred in the Recreio dos Bandeirantes area, where one of the aircraft came down in a car dealership parking lot, igniting multiple vehicles and sending thick smoke into the sky. Firefighters contained the blaze after several electric cars caught fire.
Officials from Rio de Janeiro’s Military Fire Department confirmed that all six people on board the two helicopters died in the crash. The victims include Tree, 32, Argentine content creator Gaspar Prim Díaz, known widely as Gaspi, music producer Lucas Brito Chaves, director Lucas Vignale, and pilots Alexandre Souza and Charles Marsillac.
Authorities said identification of the victims was ongoing, though aviation records listed Tree among the passengers. The cause of the midair collision remains under investigation.
A deadly helicopter collision in Rio de Janeiro killed six people, including American singer Oliver Tree and Argentine YouTuber Gaspi. The crash triggered a fire in a commercial area and is now under investigation by aviation authorities.
What we know so far
The crash happened Sunday morning over Recreio dos Bandeirantes in Rio’s western zone. One helicopter fell into a dealership lot, where parked electric vehicles caught fire, while the second aircraft also went down nearby.
Tree had recently performed in São Paulo as part of his global tour and was traveling between engagements. He had shared social media updates from Brazil shortly before the crash.
Gaspi, 23, had built a following of more than 2.8 million subscribers on YouTube. Argentine media outlet Blender identified him as one of the passengers and paid tribute, praising his creativity and influence.
Witness Fernandes de Freitas described seeing one helicopter engulfed in flames and said the scene was chaotic and frightening. He recounted that a person appeared to jump from one of the aircraft moments before impact.
What authorities are saying
Brazilian fire officials confirmed that emergency crews responded quickly and extinguished the fire at the crash site. Police said passenger manifests were provided to aviation authorities, though formal identification of the victims is still underway.
Coverage from the New York Post indicated that the helicopters collided over a commercial area, intensifying the destruction when one aircraft struck a vehicle lot. The Associated Press confirmed the midair collision and the total loss of life, noting that investigators are working to determine what led to the incident.
Why this matters
The crash highlights ongoing concerns about helicopter traffic safety in densely populated urban areas such as Rio de Janeiro, where aerial tours and private flights are common. Midair collisions remain rare but often prove catastrophic due to the lack of recovery options once aircraft lose control.
The loss of Oliver Tree marks a significant moment in the music industry. Known for blending humor with alternative pop sounds, he built a global following through unconventional visuals and viral hits such as “Life Goes On” and “Miss You.” His career spanned more than a decade, with millions of listeners worldwide and recent international tour expansion.
Gaspi’s death also underscores the growing influence of digital creators whose reach rivals that of traditional entertainers. His audience across Latin America and beyond reflects the evolving landscape of global media and youth culture.
What happens next
Aviation investigators are expected to analyze flight paths, pilot communications, and mechanical conditions of both helicopters to determine the cause of the collision. Authorities may also review air traffic management procedures in the area.
Recovery efforts and formal identification of victims are ongoing, with families and representatives expected to release statements in the coming days.
The incident is likely to prompt renewed scrutiny of flight safety standards in urban airspace, particularly as demand for private and chartered helicopter travel continues to grow.
