

American musician Oliver Tree, 32, is among the six individuals who died after two helicopters collided mid-air in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
According to local media outlets, the Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro confirmed that the accident occurred on Sunday morning, June 14. One of the helicopters crashed in a parking lot of a car dealership, causing a fire to start. Rio de Janeiro’s Military Fire Department confirmed that the fire had been extinguished.
Of the six fatalities, five were in one helicopter, including Tree, while one pilot was in the other aircraft.
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collision. The bodies were also taken to a forensic medical institute in downtown Rio.
As of writing, CNN Brazil had been able to identify the identities of the six individuals killed in the crash.
Born Oliver Tree Nickell, the musician formed a following after self-releasing his own music on the internet in the 2010s. He is known for his viral, self-directed music videos.
With over 11 million monthly listeners on Spotify, Tree is known for hits like “Life Goes On” and “Miss You.”
Tree was in the middle of this world tour, “Love You Madly, Hate You Badly,” when the collision occurred. The tour kicked off on May 30 in Mexico City, with stops in China, Japan, New Zealand, and others.
Meanwhile, fellow musician Melanie Martinez, whom Tree used to date, expressed in an Instagram story how difficult it is for her to comprehend how someone whom she once shared a “specific and formative” time of her life can all of a sudden be gone.
“He was so dedicated to his art, which I admired and respected so deeply. I think everyone who knew him will look back at those moments of laughter and joy he so easily sparked. His laugh was so contagious and warm,” she wrote.
“Rest in peace Oliver. I know you’re making the angels giggle. I’ll be here wondering what stunt and creative project you’re scheming up in heaven,” she added.

