Singer Oliver Tree dies after helicopter crash in Brazil

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Hollie Silverman

By Hollie Silverman

News Editor

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American singer-songwriter Oliver Tree and five others were killed Sunday when two helicopters collided midair in Rio de Janeiro, CNN Brazil reported, citing local authorities.

The collision occurred shortly before 9 a.m. local time in the seaside neighborhood of Recreio dos Bandeirantes, according to officials. One helicopter carried five people, while the second aircraft carried only the pilot.

The aircraft came down along Avenida das Américas, a major thoroughfare. At least one of the helicopters crashed into a parking lot, triggering a large fire that spread to several vehicles, according to local reports.

Who Was Oliver Tree?

Tree, 32, a Santa Cruz, California, native, was in Brazil as part of a world tour. Known for his eccentric fashion, bowl haircut, and genre-blending alternative-pop hits like "Life Goes On" and "Miss You," Tree had amassed a following of nearly 20 million users across social media platforms and more than 11 million monthly listeners on Spotify.

According to TMZ, Tree first gained attention in 2010 at 17, working with artists like Skrillex and Zeds Dead under the name “Tree,” and later released an independent album in 2013 before stepping away to study music technology.

Tree released his debut studio album, Ugly is Beautiful, in 2020. He followed it with Cowboy Tears, Alone in a Crowd, and his latest release, Love You Madly Hate You Badly, which released in April.

The musician had performed in São Paulo on June 6 and was scheduled to begin a European tour leg in Lisbon on July 1. His final social media activity on Saturday showed him in a recording studio with other musicians.

Tributes for Tree Pour In

Tributes quickly began pouring in online following news of the crash, with fans and fellow artists mourning Tree’s death and sharing clips of his performances and viral music videos.

"Heartbroken, so grateful I got to see OliverTree at Red Rocks gonna watch Paradise Records & cry," X user ChelBaby wrote in a post.

Singer-songwriter Bebe Rexha wrote on X: "I’m in shock. I was in the middle of my cd signing in nyc when I found the news of Oliver tree. I can’t believe it. We recorded a record together to be on dirty blonde. He was so smart. Passionate. Talented. Kind. I’m so sad. May he rest in peace."

YouTuber and podcaster Ethan Klein wrote in part: "Oliver was such a unique soul, he had an ability that was unmatched by anyone else I know; to make friends in all corners of the world. Sincere friendship too, not just internet friendships of convenience....As a person, I’ve lost a dear friend and collaborator. But the real tragedy is that the world lost a true artist, a passionate and gifted story teller, and a radiant light that shined upon so many of us. His light is now extinguished and my life, and the world, is darker for it."

Comedian Whitney Cummings wrote: "Oliver Tree is one of the most talented people on earth and usually that comes with an ego and all kinds of dickhead nonsense, but Oliver is pure love and the best version of what an artist and person can and should be. There’s no silver lining. We lost a giant."

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Authorities Work to Determine Cause of the Crash

The crash raises renewed concerns about aviation safety in busy urban airspaces like Rio de Janeiro, where helicopter traffic is common for tourism, business and private travel.

Investigators from Brazil’s aviation authorities, including the Air Force’s accident investigation unit (CENIPA) and national regulator ANAC, are examining the wreckage and flight operations to determine the cause, according to CNN Brazil.

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Who Was Oliver Tree?

Tributes for Tree Pour In

Authorities Work to Determine Cause of the Crash