Oliver Tree, Known for Hits Like “Life Goes On,” Dies at 32 in Rio Helicopter Crash

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Oliver Tree Nickell, the American singer-songwriter, producer, and internet personality celebrated for his quirky persona and viral hits, has died at the age of 32. He was one of six people killed in a mid-air helicopter collision in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday morning.

The tragic incident occurred in the Recreio dos Bandeirantes neighborhood in the city’s southwest zone. According to authorities, two helicopters collided mid-air. One helicopter, carrying Tree and four others—including Argentine YouTuber Gaspar “Gaspi” Prim, Lucas Vignale, Lucas Brito Chaves, and pilot Alexandre Souza—crashed into a BYD electric car dealership, sparking a large fire that damaged around 20 vehicles. The second helicopter, carrying only its pilot, Charles Marsillac, also went down.

Rio de Janeiro Civil Police confirmed the fatalities, and the crash has prompted an ongoing investigation into the circumstances of the collision.

A Unique Career Cut Short

Born Oliver Tree Nickell on June 29, 1993, in Santa Cruz, California, Tree rose to fame with his eccentric style, deadpan humor, and genre-blending music that mixed alternative, electronic, and hip-hop elements. He gained mainstream attention with tracks like “Life Goes On” and the Robin Schulz collaboration “Miss You,” which racked up hundreds of millions of streams. His visual aesthetic—often featuring bowl cuts, oversized glasses, and meme-worthy scooter stunts—made him a standout figure in modern pop culture.

In April 2026, he released his latest album, Love You Madly Hate You Badly. He was in the midst of his ambitious “World’s First World Tour,” which aimed to hit all seven continents with over 70 shows across 30+ countries. Tree had recently performed in São Paulo, Brazil, before the fatal crash.

Fans and fellow artists have flooded social media with tributes. British YouTuber and musician KSI posted: “You’re 32 man. You should still be here… I love you bro.”

Tree’s official website and social channels remain active with tour information as of this writing, though the remainder of the tour has been canceled.

Legacy and Impact

Oliver Tree’s career was marked by a rebellious, anti-establishment attitude and a willingness to embrace absurdity. From viral scooter crashes to chart-topping singles, he carved out a space as one of the most unpredictable artists of his generation. His passing at such a young age, while on tour promoting fresh music, leaves a significant void in the music world.

Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time. RIP Oliver Tree.

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This is a developing story. Additional details may emerge as the investigation continues.