American singer and songwriter Oliver Tree has tragically passed away after two helicopters collided midair over Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday morning. He was 32.
Oliver Tree passes away in helicopter crash
According to reports from CNN Brasil, Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro confirmed that Tree was among the victims of the collision, which occurred over the Recreio dos Bandeirantes neighbourhood in the city’s western zone.Local authorities state that the collision claimed the lives of all six people aboard the two helicopters. One helicopter was carrying five people, while the second aircraft was occupied solely by its pilot.
Oliver Tree among 6 dead
As per a TMZ report, the Rio de Janeiro Military Fire Department said one of the helicopters crashed into the parking lot of a car dealership where several electric vehicles were parked. Video footage from the site shows a major fire spreading among the vehicles which was later extinguished.According to local reports, Tree was travelling aboard one of the helicopters alongside passengers Lucas Vignale, Gaspar Prim and Lucas Brito Chaves, as well as pilot Alexandre Souza. The pilot of the second helicopter was identified as Charles Marsillac. Authorities have listed all six individuals among the victims.Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the collision.
Eyewitness recalls ‘horrifying’ crash
Fernandes de Freitas, a tyre repair worker, told AP that he saw one of the helicopters engulfed in flames after the midair collision. He also claimed to have seen a passenger jump from the second aircraft before it crashed.“It was terrifying, absolutely horrifying,” De Freitas said.
Oliver Tree’s final video from Brazil goes viral
As per reports, he had been travelling through South America as part of his world tour. He performed in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on June 4 and later appeared in São Paulo, Brazil, on June 6. Just a day before the crash, Tree shared a video on Instagram showing himself playing football in a Brazilian neighbourhood and goofing around with friends.Known for his distinctive bowl haircut, Tree, whose full name was Oliver Tree Nickell, rose to international fame through hits including ‘Life Goes On’, ‘Miss You’ and ‘When I’m Down’. The California-born artist amassed a global fanbase and billions of streams across digital platforms.
