Alternative music’s most unpredictable star has reportedly died.
Oliver Tree has been identified among six people killed after two helicopters collided mid-air over Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday morning local time. Multiple international outlets, including Associated Press and Entertainment Weekly, report that Tree was aboard one of the aircraft involved in the crash.
The collision occurred above the Recreio dos Bandeirantes district in Rio’s western zone before both helicopters fell from the sky. One aircraft crashed into a parking area used to store electric vehicles, triggering a massive fire that engulfed numerous cars. Emergency crews responded to the scene, but authorities confirmed there were no survivors.
Tree, born Oliver Tree Nickell in Santa Cruz, California, was 32 years old. He rose from internet cult favourite to global phenomenon thanks to his unmistakable bowl-cut persona, oversized outfits and genre-blurring mix of alternative rock, pop, electronic music and hip-hop. His breakthrough releases included ‘When I’m Down’, while later hits such as ‘Life Goes On’ and ‘Miss You’ turned him into one of the most recognisable figures in modern alternative music.
Oliver Tree Dead At 32
According to reports, Tree had recently performed in South America and was preparing for upcoming European tour dates. Authorities in Brazil are continuing to investigate what caused the two helicopters to collide.
Among the other reported victims were Argentine YouTube personality Gaspar Prim, music video director Lucas Vignale and the pilots of both aircraft. Officials are still working through the formal investigative process as more details emerge.
Tree’s death marks a shocking end to one of alternative music’s most unconventional careers. Whether he was releasing viral hits, creating absurdist comedy videos or deliberately blurring the line between performance art and pop stardom, Tree built a devoted global audience by doing things his own way.
Tributes have already begun pouring in across social media as fans and fellow artists react to the news.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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