A major singer has died in a helicopter crash. American star Oliver Tree was among the people who died after two helicopters collided above an electric vehicle yard in Rio.
The singer, born Oliver Tree Nickel, was discovered in the city’s Southwest district. Other victims included Lucas Vignale, Gaspar Prim, Lucas Brito Chaves, as well as pilots Alexandre Souza and Charles Marsillac.
Local Civil Police have said they have launched an investigation into the tragedy and have requested a forensic examination of the crash site. In addition to the police, the local fire department, Traffic Engineering Company, Comlurb, and teams from 31st BPM have been working in the area.
4View 4 ImagesOliver was just 32-years-of age and had been in South America on his world tour(Image: Redferns)
4View 4 ImagesThe singer was one of six people who tragically died(Image: Marc Patrick/BFA.com/Shutterstock)
The Brazillian Air Force said: “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.”
Dutch DJ and producer, Oliver Heldens, a friend of Tree’s, shared a snap of the pair in Tokyo as he honoured his late pal. Heldens said: “I can not believe it… Rest in peace brother, you were one of a kind and you’ll be truly missed @olivertree. See you again in another life,” alongside a dove and red rose emoji.
View 4 ImagesOliver shot to fame aged just 17(Image: WireImage)
Oliver, famed for hits including Miss You and Life Goes On, had been in South America for his The World’s First Tour. Just days prior to his tragic death, he had performed in São Paulo and was due to resume performing on July 1 in Lisbon, Portugal.
He first shot to fame aged just 17, working with Skrillex and Zeds Dead, using the pseudonym Tree. Three years later, he released his debut independent record, Spilling Branches, and also joined the band Irony, taking lead vocals and guitar.
But he later signed with R&S Records, which released his EP, Demons, in August 2013, resulting in some pretty famous fans. Radiohead’s Thom Yorke praised Oliver for his cover of Karma Police.
However, after his initial success, the musician decided to step back from his career and instead became a student at the California Institute of the Arts, studying music technology.
In 2016, Tree returned to music and collaborated with rapper Getter on the track “Forget It.” Tree’s debut album, Ugly Is Beautiful, came out in July 2020, charting at Number 32 in the UK and Number 13 on the US Billboard 200, as well as taking the Number 1 spot on the Alt and Rock charts in the States.
Having previously been signed by Atlantic Records, Tree announced earlier this year that he’d departed from the major label and his last record, Love You Madly Hate You Badly, would be released via his own label, Alien Boy Records.
The album was released on April 24. Fans were expecting to see Oliver in Lisbon next month, before his tour travels to Europe, including Spain, Italy, Australia, Slovakia and Hungary, before heading to the UK in September for dates in Glasgow, Manchester and London.
Tributes have since poured in from fans on social media, with one writing: “My God, what sadness. Rest in peace, Oliver Tree, and all who were also in the helicopter.” A second added: “I’m so f***ing shocked about Oliver Tree he was so young and so so talented like genuinely I don’t think I’ve heard a single bad thing about him.”
“Rest in Peace Oliver Tree. You were definitely important to me during my High School years rest easy man,” commented a third. While a fourth added: “RIP Oliver Tree. Such great music.”
If you have been affected by this story, Cruse Bereavement Support offers free help to make sense of how you are feeling. Click here for their website or call 0808 808 1677.
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