Six people were killed on June 14, 2026, after two helicopters collided midair in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Among the victims was American singer Oliver Tree, 32, known for hit songs such as Life Goes On, Miss You, and Alien Boy.
The accident occurred in the Recreio dos Bandeirantes district, in western Rio de Janeiro. The two aircraft collided while flying before crashing to the ground. One of the helicopters fell into the parking lot of a car dealership, sparking a major fire that destroyed around twenty electric vehicles.
According to Brazilian authorities, all six occupants aboard the two helicopters lost their lives. In addition to Oliver Tree, the victims included Argentine YouTuber Gaspar Prim Díaz, widely known as “Gaspi,” several music industry professionals, and the two pilots.
Oliver Tree was in Brazil as part of his world tour. The artist had recently performed in São Paulo and was scheduled to continue a series of concerts across Europe in the coming days. News of his death triggered an outpouring of grief throughout the music industry and across social media, where fellow artists, content creators, and fans paid tribute to him.
The exact circumstances surrounding the collision remain unclear. Investigators from Brazil’s Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (CENIPA), along with Rio de Janeiro’s Civil Police, have launched an inquiry to determine the cause of the crash. Initial investigations are examining communications with air traffic control and the flight procedures followed by both aircraft.
The tragedy has renewed concerns about aviation safety in Rio de Janeiro’s busy airspace, one of the most helicopter-intensive urban environments in the world, where helicopters are widely used for both private and urban transportation.
