Oliver Tree Dies in Rio Helicopter Crash? 6 Dead in Collision

Reports say that two helicopters collided mid-air as they traversed Rio's Recreio dos Bandeirantes region before crashing to the ground. The crash killed those aboard both aircraft. But authorities initially confirmed that although Oliver Tree showed up as a passenger on the list, formal identification for the accident was delayed as a result of the catastrophic fire. His family had also not yet released an official statement.

What Happened?

This collision also occurred during the early hours of Sunday morning in the beachside neighborhood of Recreio dos Bandeirantes, which is one of Rio's popular tourist attractions.

One helicopter had five passengers, the other had a pilot only. After colliding in the air, both aircraft crashed into the parking area of an electric car dealership. The impact set off a widespread fire that consumed several parked electric vehicles, scattering debris in the aftermath, complicating rescue operations and investigations. The exact reasons for the mid-air collision have not yet been confirmed by authorities.

Oliver Tree reportedly one of the victims.

Brazilian police officers identified Oliver Tree Nickell, 32, who appeared as one of the passengers on one of the helicopters.

Popular hits like “When I’m Down,” “Life Goes On,” “Miss You” and “Alien Boy” made Oliver Tree one of alternative music’s more recognizable artists with his singular style, catchy videos and raucous performances. He was allegedly on an international tour, hitting Brazil.

Other Victims Identified.

Some other victims identified in reports included:

• Argentine YouTuber Gaspar Prim, popularly known as Gaspi.
• Brazilian music producer Lucas Brito Chaves.
• Argentine director Lucas Vignale.
• Pilot Alexandre Souza.
• Pilot Charles Marsillac.

The six of those passengers aboard the two helicopters died in the crash.

Investigation Continuing.

Brazilian aviation authorities and local police have launched an investigation to find out what caused the fatal mid-air clash.

Airplane wreckage was spread over a wide area, officials said, complicating an early reconstruction of the sequence of events. Now investigators are reviewing the flight recordings, surveillance videos and eyewitness videos to learn how the helicopters struck.

Fans mourn the tragic loss.

News of the crash has inspired a flood of sorrow on social networks, with fans of Oliver Tree and others named and worshipped across the world mourning along the way.

More official details will come out of investigations as investigators work to unravel the cause of what remains one of Brazil's deadliest helicopter crashes in recent months, according to the report.