Oliver Trees Final Instagram Reel Preceded Fatal Helicopter Crash in Rio de Janeiro

American singer‑songwriter Oliver Tree (born Oliver Tree Nickell, 29 June 1993) posted a 30‑second Instagram Reel on 13 June 2026 that captured a day of activities in Rio de Janeiro. Titled “Gringo 24 horas no Brasil,” the clip shows Tree biking, getting a haircut, cooking, and playing soccer with Brazilian influencer Iae Break. The background track is Tree’s own song “Worth Nothing,” which appears on the soundtrack for the “Twisted, Fast & Furious: Drift Tape (Phonk Vol. 1).” By the time the news of Tree’s death broke, the Reel had amassed 9.7 million views.

The next day, 14 June 2026, Tree was among six people killed when two helicopters collided over the Recreio dos Bandeirantes neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro. Local police and the Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro report that the aircraft were flying over an electric‑vehicle dealership when the mid‑air collision occurred. The first helicopter carried Tree, four passengers—Lucas Vignale, Gaspar Prim (known online as Gaspi), Lucas Brito Chaves—and pilot Alexandre Souza. The second helicopter, piloted by Charles Marsillac, had no passengers. All six aboard the two helicopters died.

At least 20 cars were set on fire in the crash, and a forensic investigation has been requested by authorities. The incident is being investigated by the city’s Civil Police and the Brazilian Air Accident Investigation Agency.

Tree had been in Brazil as part of his “The World’s First World Tour.” He performed in São Paulo on 6 June 2026 and was scheduled to play in Lisbon on 13 July 2026. The singer had previously used helicopter travel for performances, including a flight to the EDC music festival in Las Vegas in May 2026.

Tree’s career began with the 2010 release of the single “When I’m Down,” which led to a contract with Atlantic Records in 2017. He released four studio albums: Ugly Is Beautiful (2020), Cowboy Tears (2022), Alone in a Crowd (2023), and Love You Madly Hate You Badly (24 April 2026). He was 32 at the time of his death.

The Instagram Reel that preceded the crash was Tree’s last public appearance. In the video, he and Iae Break filmed a day of leisure activities, with Tree’s music playing in the background. The Reel was posted on 13 June 2026, the day before the fatal collision.

The crash has drawn condolences from fans and industry colleagues. The video’s comments section was flooded with messages of sympathy and tribute. The incident also prompted discussions about the safety of helicopter travel for touring musicians.

The investigation into the collision is ongoing. No official statement has yet identified the cause of the mid‑air collision. The Civil Police have confirmed that a forensic investigation has been requested.

Tree’s death marks the loss of a rising artist who had gained international recognition with hits such as “Life Goes On” (2021) and “Miss You” (2022). His final album, Love You Madly Hate You Badly, was released only a few months earlier.

The incident underscores the risks associated with aerial transport in densely populated urban areas and highlights the need for stringent safety protocols for touring artists.

The Brazilian authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision, and no further details are available at this time.