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American singer and comedian Oliver Tree was listed among the six passengers Sunday in a deadly helicopter crash in Brazil.
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The “Life Goes On” singer’s father, Jesse Nickell, said they learned of his death from a producer in Brazil who was working on music with him.
“Peace be with Oliver. The family has no comments,” Nickell said Monday via text.
Firefighters said two helicopters collided over Rio De Janeiro and crashed in the city’s western zone. Tree’s name was on a list of passengers handed to aviation authorities, but they have not yet been able to identify any of the bodies, police said.
An investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.
Here’s everything we know so far about the fatal crash and the victims.
The crash occurred just before 9 a.m. local time, Rio de Janeiro’s Military Fire Department said. Five people were found dead in one of the helicopters, and the other victim was found in the second aircraft, the fire department said in a translated video.
The helicopters fell onto a car dealership parking lot after the mid-air collision, sparking a fire involving 15 cars, authorities said. The blaze was later extinguished.
A photo shows the mangled helicopter lying upside down between two damaged cars.
“We express our deep sorrow for the six victims resulting from the accident involving two aircraft in the Southwest Zone of Rio de Janeiro,” the Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro said in a post on X. “In this moment of pain, I express my solidarity to the family members and friends of the victims of the tragedy.”
Tree, whose full name is Oliver Tree Nickell, was on a world tour. Representatives for Tree did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
“I’m going on ‘The World’s First World Tour’ playing shows on all 7 continents this year. 30+ countries. 70+ shows. Biggest tour of my life,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
A list of tour dates had him scheduled to perform on June 6 in São Paulo, Brazil. His next show was scheduled for July 1 in Lisbon, Portugal. His other tour dates included stops in Spain, Italy, Austria, the United States, England, Belgium, and China.
“He didn’t get to do the whole tour,” one fan commented on the Facebook post.
“Atlanta was gonna be LIT. rest in peace Oli,” another fan wrote.
YouTuber and influencer Logan Paul called Tree one of his favorite people.
“I’m absolutely gutted, words can’t describe how special Oliver was to so many people,” he wrote on X. “Tragedy has taken life way too soon, with so much creativity and vibrance and talent. I’d like to think he’s on his next adventure somewhere in the universe. Horrible horrible horrible, I don’t even know how to process this.”
Rapper bbno$ posted: “Rest easy oliver you will always be an inspiration. thank you for sharing your creativity and brilliance with the world. my heart is shattered right now. hold your friends and family close.”
Ethan Klein, of the YouTuber duo H3, said he was in disbelief. He remembered Tree was a “unique soul” who could “make friends in all corners of the world.”
“He was one of the funniest people I’ve ever known. His style of self-deprecation was universal. Every media appearance he’s ever done was hilarious, refreshing and unique in a way that only he could bring,” Klein said in a lengthy post on X.
“He was a true artist, in every sense of the word. Everything he brought into the world, he brought with his true self. Every time he would come on our show, it would involve weeks of lengthy conversations of planning and brainstorming. Ordinary was never an option. It had to be the best possible appearance. And it always was.”
Klein said that for the past year, Tree traveled around the world to learn about “all the different types of ways people lived, so he could become an even more profound artist.”
“As a person, I’ve lost a dear friend and collaborator. But the real tragedy is that the world lost a true artist, a passionate and gifted story teller, and a radiant light that shined upon so many of us. His light is now extinguished and my life, and the world, is darker for it,” he said.
Actor and comedian Whitney Cummings called Tree “one of the most talented people on earth.
“Never will forget this lesson from Oliver or the time we had on @NBRadioPodcast,” T-Pain posted. “Thanks for sharing your art and for always being different in the best way possible. See you on the brighter side.”
Musical group Louis the Child said Tree was “incredibly funny, incredibly driven” and had a “huge heart.”
“Always a smile on your face, always some new crazy plan, always looking out for your friends. One of a kind. Rest in Peace,” they wrote on X.
Tree’s ex-girlfriend, singer Melanie Martinez, also paid tribute.
“Been an absolute wreck today. 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,” she wrote in an Instagram Story.
She said he was “so dedicated to his art” and had a “contagious and warm” laugh.
“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.”
Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims.
Argentine streaming channel Blender said that content creator Gaspar Prim Díaz — also known as Gaspi — was in one of the helicopters.
“Thanks for your art, your magic and your sensibility, every one of us will miss you,” Blender said on X.
Minyvonne Burke is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News.
© 2026 NBCUniversal Media, LLC
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