Singer Oliver Tree among 6 killed in helicopter crash in Brazil

American singer Oliver Tree was among six people killed when two helicopters collided midair and crashed in Rio de Janeiro, setting fire to dozens of vehicles, according to Brazilian officials and local media.

The crash happened at about 9 a.m. in Recreio dos Bandeirantes, in the southwest of Rio de Janeiro. Fire officials said the two helicopters apparently collided in midair before falling into the parking lot of an electric car dealership.

The crash sparked a large fire at the dealership, burning at least 20 vehicles, according to the Rio de Janeiro Fire Department.

All six people on board the helicopters were killed.

Brazilian authorities confirmed that Oliver Tree was among those killed, according to CNN Brasil and g1. The other victims included Gaspar Prim, an Argentine YouTuber known as Gaspi; Lucas Brito Chaves, a Brazilian music producer known as Lucas Frota; Lucas Vignale, an Argentine music video director; and two pilots.

Tree, whose full name was Oliver Tree Nickell, was a singer, producer and visual artist from California who built a following with a mix of alternative pop, electronic music, comedy and surreal videos. He became widely known online for his bowl haircut, oversized clothes and exaggerated scooter-riding persona, which became part of his public image.

His best-known songs included “Life Goes On,” “Miss You,” “Alien Boy” and “Worth Nothing.” He also worked with artists including David Guetta, Whethan, Skrillex, Diplo, Getter and KSI.

Tree released his debut studio album, “Ugly Is Beautiful,” in 2020, followed by “Cowboy Tears” in 2022 and “Alone in a Crowd” in 2023. His most recent album, “Love You Madly Hate You Badly,” was released on April 24, less than two months before his death.

His most recent album, “Love You Madly Hate You Badly,” was released on April 24, less than two months before his death.

Footage shared on social media showed the moments immediately after the crash and the aftermath. One video appeared to show one of the helicopters going down into the parking lot, while other videos showed flames and thick smoke rising from the dealership.

The cause of the crash was not immediately known. Fire officials said the accident will be investigated by the appropriate authorities.