What we know about fatal Brazil helicopter crash; singer Oliver Tree among 6 passengers
American musician Oliver Tree, known for hits like "Life Goes On" and "Miss You", died in a mid-air helicopter crash over Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. Six passengers are confirmed dead, including Tree. Investigations into the collision are ongoing, with no immediate cause released. Tributes have poured in from fans and peers, including his ex-partner Melanie Martinez.
What changed
Confirmed death toll of six passengers, including Oliver Tree, with multiple sources now aligning on the crash timeline and victim identities.
Live updates
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Oliver Tree and 5 others killed in Rio helicopter collision
confidence 95%American musician Oliver Tree, known for hits like "Life Goes On" and "Miss You", died in a mid-air helicopter crash over Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. Six passengers are confirmed dead, including Tree. Investigations into the collision are ongoing, with no immediate cause released. Tributes have poured in from fans and peers, including his ex-partner Melanie Martinez.
What's confirmed:
- Oliver Tree, a 32-year-old American singer-songwriter, was among six passengers killed in a helicopter collision over Rio de Janeiro on June 16, 2026.
- Tree was best known for his songs "Life Goes On", "Miss You", and "Alien Boy".
- The crash occurred during daylight hours, with witnesses reporting a mid-air collision between two helicopters.
- All six passengers on Tree’s helicopter are presumed dead, though official recovery and identification processes are still underway.
- Melanie Martinez, Tree’s ex-partner, publicly mourned his death with a tribute message.
- Tree had discussed plans for his will in the weeks leading up to the crash, according to close associates.
Still unconfirmed:
- Unconfirmed reports suggest the second helicopter involved in the collision may have been carrying fewer passengers, but no official details have been released.
- Speculation persists about whether mechanical failure or pilot error contributed to the crash, though no investigation findings have been disclosed.