The music world is mourning the loss of Oliver Tree, the California-born singer-songwriter known for his viral hits “Life Goes On,” “Alien Boy,” and “Miss You,” who died in a tragic helicopter crash in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday morning, June 14, 2026. He was 32 years old. The innovative artist, whose eccentric visual style and comedy-driven persona made him a beloved figure across social media platforms, was among six people killed when two helicopters collided mid-air over the city’s Recreio dos Bandeirantes neighborhood.
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The Tragic Incident
CNN Brazil reported that the crash, which happened Sunday morning in the southwest of Rio de Janeiro, involved two helicopters and left six dead, including Tree. Five people were in one helicopter, while only a pilot flew the other.
Tree was in his helicopter with 4 other people: passengers Lucas Vignale, Gaspar Prim, Lucas Brito Chaves and pilot Alexandre Souza. Reports have alleged that Argentine YouTuber Gaspar Prim and Brazilian artist Lucas Frota were among the souls on board.
After the mid-air collision, the helicopters landed in an electric car dealership parking lot, engulfing nearly two dozen cars in flames. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Crash Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, June 14, 2026 |
| Time | Sunday morning |
| Location | Recreio dos Bandeirantes, Southwest Rio de Janeiro |
| Crash Site | Electric vehicle dealership parking lot |
| Total Fatalities | 6 people |
| Helicopters Involved | 2 helicopters |
| Tree’s Helicopter | 5 people (including pilot) |
| Second Helicopter | 1 pilot |
Oliver Tree in Brazil for World Tour
He had been in Brazil after performing in São Paulo on June 6 as part of his ongoing world tour. The musician was in Rio de Janeiro amid his The World’s First World Tour, which kicked off May 30 in Mexico City.
As recently as yesterday, Tree was posting content to social media from his time in Brazil, giving no indication of the tragedy that would unfold just hours later.
Oliver Tree: The Artist Behind the Icon
Tree, born Oliver Tree Nickell on June 29, 1993, in Santa Cruz, California, became one of the most distinctive voices in alternative music. Oliver Tree Nickell was an American singer-songwriter, record producer, rapper, and filmmaker known for his signature bowl cut, eccentric fashion choices, and larger-than-life persona.
Personal Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Oliver Tree Nickell |
| Date of Birth | June 29, 1993 |
| Place of Birth | Santa Cruz, California |
| Date of Death | June 14, 2026 |
| Age at Death | 32 years old |
| Genres | Alternative rock, indie pop, alternative pop, hip hop, dance |
| Net Worth (at death) | Estimated $4 million |
Rise to Fame: From Vine to Viral Sensation
Tree found virality on Vine in 2016 thanks to his “Turbo” alter ego. That same month, he released his first collaboration with DJ Whethan, the compassion anthem “When I’m Down.” The song went viral, garnering millions of streams over the next year.
Tree signed to Atlantic Records in 2017 after his song “When I’m Down” went viral and released his debut studio album Ugly Is Beautiful on July 17, 2020.
Career Breakthrough Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2013 | Self-released album Splitting Branches and EP Demons |
| 2016 | Went viral on Vine; released “When I’m Down” with Whethan |
| 2017 | Signed to Atlantic Records; released “Welcome to LA” |
| 2018 | Released debut EP Alien Boy |
| 2020 | Debut album Ugly Is Beautiful released |
| 2022 | Hit single “Miss You” with Robin Schulz |
| 2023 | Third album Alone in a Crowd released |
| 2026 | Fourth album Love You Madly, Hate You Badly released |
“Alien Boy” and Career-Defining Moments
In February 2018, Tree released his major-label debut EP, Alien Boy, along with the double music video for “All That x Alien Boy”. Tree wrote and directed the debut, which took over nine months to create. He spent five months practicing freestyle monster truck jumping at the Perris Auto Speedway and performed all his stunts in the music video.
The “Alien Boy” EP became a defining moment in Tree’s career, establishing his unique blend of alternative rock, electronic production, and visual spectacle. The six-track EP showcased his ability to merge genres while maintaining a distinctive sonic identity.
Discography Highlights
| Release | Year | Type | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Splitting Branches | 2013 | Album | Self-released |
| Demons | 2013 | EP | Apollo Records |
| Alien Boy | 2018 | EP | Atlantic Records |
| Do You Feel Me? | 2019 | EP | Atlantic Records |
| Ugly Is Beautiful | 2020 | Album | Atlantic Records |
| Cowboy Tears | 2022 | Album | Atlantic Records |
| Alone in a Crowd | 2023 | Album | Atlantic Records |
| Love You Madly, Hate You Badly | 2026 | Album | Alien Boy Records |
Major Hit Singles
Tree, 32, was best known for songs including Life Goes On and Miss You, as well as his eccentric visual style and comedy-driven online persona. His catalog included numerous viral hits that defined a generation of alternative pop music.
Top Songs and Collaborations
| Song | Year | Collaborator | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| “When I’m Down” | 2016 | Whethan | Viral breakthrough, signed to Atlantic |
| “Alien Boy” | 2018 | Solo | Title track of debut EP |
| “Hurt” | 2018 | Solo | Fan favorite from Alien Boy era |
| “Life Goes On” | 2020 | Solo | Became anthem during pandemic |
| “Miss You” | 2022 | Robin Schulz | Peaked at #84 on Billboard Hot 100 |
| “Joyride” | 2025 | Solo | Lead single from final album |
| “Superhero” | 2025 | Solo | Preview of Love You Madly, Hate You Badly |
The Final Album: Love You Madly, Hate You Badly
On April 4th 2026, Oliver announced that his fourth studio album, Love You Madly, Hate You Badly would be released on April 24th 2026, with 17 songs featured. He also revealed that he left Atlantic Records to release the record independently, called “Alien Boy Records”.
On April 24th 2026, Love You Madly, Hate You Badly was released, just seven weeks before his untimely death. The album represented a new chapter in his artistic journey, released independently on his own label after parting ways with Atlantic Records.
FAQs
How did Oliver Tree die?
Oliver Tree died in a helicopter crash in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on June 14, 2026. Two helicopters collided mid-air over the Recreio dos Bandeirantes neighborhood, killing all six people aboard both aircraft.
What was Oliver Tree’s most famous song?
Oliver Tree was best known for “Life Goes On,” “Alien Boy,” “Miss You” (with Robin Schulz), and “When I’m Down” (with Whethan). “Life Goes On” became particularly popular during the pandemic, while “Miss You” peaked at #84 on the Billboard Hot 100.
What was Oliver Tree doing in Brazil?
Oliver Tree was in Brazil as part of his world tour called “The World’s First World Tour,” which began May 30, 2026 in Mexico City. He had performed in São Paulo on June 6 before traveling to Rio de Janeiro.
What was Oliver Tree’s real name?
Oliver Tree’s full legal name was Oliver Tree Nickell. He was born on June 29, 1993, in Santa Cruz, California, and was 32 years old at the time of his death.
What was Oliver Tree’s latest album?
Oliver Tree’s final album was “Love You Madly, Hate You Badly,” released on April 24, 2026—just seven weeks before his death. It was his first independent release on his own label, Alien Boy Records, after leaving Atlantic Records.
