Oliver Tree, the American singer known for hits such as “Life Goes On” and “Miss You,” died on June 14, 2026, after a helicopter collision in Rio de Janeiro, according to Brazilian authorities. He was 32.
What Happened? How Did Oliver Tree Die?
Two helicopters collided mid-air at around 09:00 local time above Recreio dos Bandeirantes in Rio de Janeiro’s southwest zone. All six people on board both aircraft were killed.
Oliver Tree was aboard the first helicopter along with passengers Lucas Brito Chaves and Lucas Vignale, Argentinian YouTuber Gaspi (real name Gaspar Prim), and pilot Alexandre Souza. The second helicopter carried only its pilot, Charles Marsillac.
One helicopter crashed into a commercial parking lot, destroying around 20 cars. Fragments reached nearby buildings but caused no additional casualties on the ground.
Oliver Tree had just performed in São Paulo and was expected to play in Portugal next. He had posted to his Instagram Story from a studio the same day. The Brazilian Air Force and the National Civil Aviation Agency are investigating.
Who Was Oliver Tree?
Oliver Tree Nickell was born on June 29, 1993, in Santa Cruz, California, a singer-songwriter, record producer, rapper, and filmmaker who signed to Atlantic Records in 2017 after “When I’m Down” went viral.
He built a cult following through a character-driven persona, bowl cut, oversized tracksuit, deadpan absurdism, and released songs that hit harder emotionally than the persona suggested.
Albums and biggest songs:
He released four studio albums through Atlantic: Ugly Is Beautiful (2020), Cowboy Tears (2022), Alone in a Crowd (2023), and Love You Madly Hate You Badly (2026). His debut topped Billboard’s Top Rock & Alternative Albums chart. “Life Goes On” reached No. 7 on Hot Rock & Alternative Songs. “Miss You,” with Robin Schulz, hit No. 4 on Hot Dance/Electronic Songs. His final album came out months before his death.
Who is Gaspi: The YouTuber Who Died With Oliver Tree?
Gaspi, real name Gaspar Prim, was a 23-year-old Argentinian YouTuber. He had appeared in Ibai Llanos’ La Velada del Año V creator boxing event in Spain and had recently spoken publicly about moving beyond the online persona that made him famous. Argentine streaming channel Blender confirmed his death: “Thanks for your art, your magic and your sensibility. Every one of us will miss you.”
What Did Melanie Martinez Say?
Melanie Martinez and Oliver Tree dated between 2019 and 2020. Their breakup drew sustained fan harassment directed at Tree, Martinez publicly asked her followers to stop, and Tree reposted her message.
After news of his death broke, Martinez posted an Instagram Story tribute. “Been an absolute wreck today,” she wrote. “It’s really hard to understand how someone who you once shared such a specific and formative time of your life with can all of a sudden be gone. He was so dedicated to his art which I admired and respected so deeply.”
She ended it: “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. All my love.”
Did the “Flowers” Music Video Predict His Death?
The video for Oliver Tree’s song “Flowers” shows him standing between two helicopters. The image has been circulating widely since news of the crash broke.
Oliver Tree: Key Facts
| Detail | Fact |
| Full name | Oliver Tree Nickell |
| Born | June 29, 1993, Santa Cruz, CA |
| Died | June 14, 2026, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| Age at death | 32 |
| Cause of death | Helicopter crash |
| Studio albums | 4 |
| Biggest songs | “Life Goes On,” “Miss You,” “Alien Boy,” “When I’m Down” |
| Record label | Atlantic Records |
| Ex-girlfriend | Melanie Martinez (2019–2020) |
Conclusion
Oliver Tree died on June 14, 2026, one of six people killed when two helicopters collided over Rio de Janeiro. He was 32, mid-tour, and had released his fourth album months earlier. His death has been confirmed by Rio de Janeiro’s Civil Police, CNN Brazil, Billboard, Rolling Stone, and Variety.
FAQs
Did Oliver Tree really die?
Yes. Rio de Janeiro’s Civil Police confirmed his death to CNN Brazil on June 14, 2026.
How did Oliver Tree die?
Two helicopters collided mid-air over Rio de Janeiro. All six people aboard both aircraft were killed.
Who is Gaspi?
Gaspi, real name Gaspar Prim, was a 23-year-old Argentinian YouTuber aboard the same helicopter as Oliver Tree. He also died in the crash.
What were Oliver Tree’s most popular songs?
“Life Goes On,” “Miss You,” “Alien Boy,” and “When I’m Down.” He debut album Ugly Is Beautiful, topped Billboard’s Top Rock & Alternative Albums chart in 2020, like really.
What was Oliver Tree’s connection to Melanie Martinez?
They dated between 2019 and 2021. The relationship ended amicably. Martinez paid tribute to Tree on Instagram the day he died.
