The music and digital creator communities are mourning following a devastating helicopter collision in Brazil that reportedly claimed six lives, including singer-songwriter Oliver Tree and Argentine content creator Gaspar “Gaspi” Prim.
Authorities confirmed that two helicopters collided on June 14 in the Recreio dos Bandeirantes area of Rio de Janeiro. According to reports from Brazilian officials, five people aboard one helicopter were killed, along with the pilot of the second aircraft, who was flying alone.
Among those identified as victims were:
* Oliver Tree Nickell — passenger
* Gaspar Prim (“Gaspi”) — passenger
* Lucas Vignale — passenger
* Lucas Brito Chaves — passenger
* Alexandre Souza — pilot
* Charles Marsillac — pilot
Officials say the aircraft came down in a parking area, where multiple vehicles were damaged. Reports indicate that approximately 20 cars were affected, with several catching fire following the crash.
At the time of the accident, Oliver Tree was reportedly in the middle of a series of performances in Brazil. The artist had recently performed in São Paulo and was expected to continue international tour dates in Europe. Fans noted that he had also recently shared updates from a recording studio, suggesting that new music was still in development.
Tree built a devoted global following through his unique blend of alternative pop, electronic music, and comedy-infused visuals. After breaking out with viral hits and the success of his 2020 debut album Ugly Is Beautiful, he became known for creating one of the most distinctive personas in modern pop culture.
His most recent studio album, Love You Madly Hate You Badly, was released earlier this year.
Gaspi, meanwhile, had become a rising force in the Spanish-speaking digital creator space. The 23-year-old YouTuber attracted a growing audience through comedy videos, collaborations, and social media content that resonated with younger viewers throughout Latin America.
Brazilian aviation authorities have launched a formal investigation into the cause of the collision.
The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) issued the following statement:
“The Brazilian Air Force (FAB), through the Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (CENIPA), informs that, this Sunday (June 14th), investigators from the Third Regional Service for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (SERIPA III), based in Rio de Janeiro (RJ), were called to carry out the Initial Action of the incident involving two aircraft, registration numbers PP-MAC and PR-DJJ, in Recreio dos Bandeirantes, in the Southwest Zone of Rio de Janeiro (RJ). During the Initial Action, qualified and accredited professionals apply specific techniques for data collection and confirmation, preservation of evidence, initial verification of damage caused to or by the aircraft, and gathering other information necessary for the investigation.”
The National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) also released a statement:
“The National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) reports that it has become aware of the air accident involving two helicopters, today, June 14th, in Rio de Janeiro, and is investigating the situation of the aircraft and pilots involved in the case. The investigations into the causes will be conducted by the Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (CENIPA).
ANAC regrets the incident, expresses its solidarity with the families and friends of the victims, and reiterates to all passengers on general aviation flights that they should verify the status of companies and aircraft before boarding.”
The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and loved ones affected by this tragedy.
