A horrifying helicopter accident in Rio de Janeiro, which left beloved singer Oliver Tree and YouTuber Gaspar “Gaspi” Prim, among others, dead, has left fans worldwide in shock. Now, the Brazilian Air Force has released a statement about what happened.
Fans are in shock after the devastating helicopter crash, which took six people’s lives, including singer Oliver Tree, 32, and YouTuber Gaspar Prim.
Towo helicopters reportedly collided in mid-air before crashing to the ground. All six people on board lost their lives. Oliver Tree was known for hit songs including Life Goes On and Miss You. Meanwhile, Argentinian YouTuber Gaspar “Gaspi” Prim built a huge following through his entertaining online videos.
The other victims include passengers Lucas Vignale, Gaspar Prim (also known as Argentinian YouTuber Gaspi), Lucas Brito Chaves, and pilots Alexandre Souza and Charles Marsillae, Page Six reported.
Marsillac was flying solo in one helicopter, while five traveled in the other. Per CNN, the helicopters collided early Sunday morning while flying over an electric vehicle. As the helicopters crashed, more than 20 cars were set on fire at the crash site.
Videos and pictures from the crash site showed aircraft wreckage scattered among burned-out cars while thick black smoke rose into the sky.
Beloved singer Oliver Tree and YouTuber Gaspi lose their lives in horrific accident
Witnesses described the terrifying scene as they saw helicopters drop from the sky and burst into flames after impact. Emergency crews rushed to the area. Sadly, there was nothing they could do to save those on board.
Local police told CNN that the case is ongoing and a forensic examination of the scene has begun. The local Fire Department, CET (Traffic Engineering Company), Comlurb, and teams from 31st BPM (Recreio dos Bandeirantes) have worked to isolate the area.
As reported by PageSix, the Brazilian Air Force said in astatement, “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 statement continued.
Oliver Tree, a beloved singer, was visiting South America as part of his The World’s First World Tour. He had performed in São Paulo on June 6 and was scheduled to play in Lisbon on July 13.
Fans mourn
As news of the tragedy spread, fans flooded social media with heartbreaking tributes.
“I can’t believe this is real,” one fan wrote, while another added: “Gone far too soon. Rest in peace.”
Born on June 29, 1993, in Santa Cruz, California, Oliver Tree first rose to fame at 17. In 2010, he began working with big names like Skrillex and Zeds Dead under the name “Tree.” In 2013, he released his first independent album but decided to step away from the business to pursue his studies in music technology.
He returned to the big stage in 2020 with his first studio album, Ugly is Beautiful, and earned platinum with his son Life Goes On. His last album, Love You Madly Hate You Badly, was released in April 2025.
Rest in peace. Our thoughts are with the families of all those affected by this tragedy
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