Oliver Tree, “Life Goes On” and “Miss You” Singer, Dies in Helicopter Crash at 32

The music world is mourning the loss of American singer, songwriter, producer, and director Oliver Tree, who died at the age of 32 following a tragic helicopter crash in Brazil.

According to multiple reports, Tree was among six people killed on June 14 when two helicopters collided mid-air over Recreio dos Bandeirantes, in Rio de Janeiro. One of the aircraft crashed into a car dealership parking lot, triggering a fire that reportedly destroyed around 20 vehicles. Brazilian authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the collision.

Born Oliver Tree Nickell on June 29, 1993, in Santa Cruz, California, Tree became one of the most recognizable and unconventional artists of his generation. Known for his signature bowl haircut, oversized vintage-inspired outfits, and eccentric alter ego "Turbo," he first gained widespread attention through viral internet content before breaking into the music industry. His 2016 collaboration with Whethan, "When I'm Down," helped launch his career and led to a recording deal with Atlantic Records.

Throughout his career, Tree built a devoted global fanbase with a genre-defying sound that blended alternative pop, electronic music, indie rock, country influences, and internet culture. His biggest hits included Life Goes On, Miss You, Alien Boy, Hurt, Jerk, and Cash Machine. His music amassed billions of streams worldwide and earned him international recognition, including a BRIT Award nomination for "Miss You" alongside Robin Schulz.

Tree released four major studio albums during his career: Ugly Is Beautiful (2020), Cowboy Tears (2022), Alone in a Crowd (2023), and Love You Madly Hate You Badly, which was released in April 2026. At the time of his death, he was in the middle of a world tour supporting the album and had recently performed in São Paulo. His next scheduled show was set to take place in Lisbon on July 1.

Beyond music, Tree was widely admired for directing his own visually striking and often surreal music videos, helping establish one of the most distinctive artistic identities in modern pop culture. In 2020, he also earned a Guinness World Record for creating the world's largest kick scooter.

Tributes have poured in from across the music industry. Producer and DJ Dillon Francis described Tree as "a treasure to the music world," while Zedd shared a message reading, "Rest easy, brother." Flying Lotus also paid tribute, remembering Tree as "a super kind, creative powerhouse."

The crash also claimed the lives of Argentine YouTuber Gaspar Prim, Lucas Vignale, Lucas Brito Chaves, and pilots Alexandre Souza and Charles Marsillac. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Tree leaves behind a legacy as one of the most original and unconventional artists of the streaming era, remembered for his creativity, humor, and ability to connect with millions of fans through both music and visual storytelling.

Sources via BBC News, The Hollywood Reporter, CNN Brasil, Associated Press (AP), People Magazine, The Guardian, E! News, SFGATE