Oliver Tree Dies in Helicopter Crash in Rio de Janeiro at 32, Reports Say

Singer-songwriter Oliver Tree, known for songs including “Life Goes On,” “Alien Boy,” and “Miss You,” has died in a helicopter crash in Rio de Janeiro, according to reports from CNN Brazil. He was 32.

Authorities in Brazil reported that the incident occurred Sunday morning in the southwest region of Rio de Janeiro and involved two helicopters. Six people were reportedly killed in total, including Tree. Officials have not yet released a full public identification list of victims, and details surrounding the cause of the crash remain under investigation.

Incident

CNN Brazil reported that the crash happened during the morning hours and involved two aircraft. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene, and an investigation has been launched by local aviation authorities.

As of the latest reports, no official international confirmation beyond Brazilian media and initial statements has been released regarding the full passenger manifest or flight purpose.

Tree’s representatives had not issued a public statement at the time of reporting.

Career

Oliver Tree, born in California, first gained attention through experimental electronic and dubstep-influenced production under the name “Tree.” He released his early EP “Demons” in 2013 and gradually shifted into a more pop-oriented style.

His breakout came through collaborations and early streaming-era hits, including “When I’m Down,” which helped introduce him to a wider audience before he signed with Atlantic Records in 2016.

He later adopted the stage name Oliver Tree and developed a distinct visual identity characterized by retro fashion, bowl-cut hairstyles, and surreal, comedic performance aesthetics.

Breakthrough

Tree’s 2018 EP “Alien Boy” helped establish him as a crossover figure between internet culture and mainstream alternative pop. His self-directed visuals, particularly the “All That x Alien Boy” project, accumulated tens of millions of views online and contributed to his growing global audience.

His music gained significant traction on social platforms in the early 2020s. “Life Goes On” became one of his most widely used tracks on TikTok, appearing in millions of user-generated videos. “Miss You” also became a popular streaming-era hit with strong social media circulation.

Song	Platform Impact
Life Goes On	Used in millions of TikTok videos
Miss You	Millions of uses in short-form content
Alien Boy	Breakout visual project

Tour

At the time of the incident, Tree was reportedly in the middle of a global tour supporting his fourth studio album, “Love You Madly, Hate You Badly,” which he had self-produced.

The tour began in Mexico City on May 30 and was scheduled to include international stops across Asia, Africa, and Oceania, reflecting his growing global touring presence.

Reactions

Following news of his death, tributes began circulating on social media. Singer-songwriter Melanie Martinez, who previously had a relationship with Tree, posted a public remembrance describing his creativity, humor, and artistic drive.

She wrote that he had a strong creative vision and a distinctive ability to bring humor and energy into his work, adding that his influence on those close to him would be remembered.

Context

Tree’s career reflected the evolution of internet-era music, where streaming platforms and short-form video significantly shaped artist exposure. His work frequently blended satire, performance art, and pop production, positioning him as a recognizable figure within online music culture.

Further official statements regarding the crash investigation and confirmation of victims are expected from Brazilian authorities.

Oliver Tree’s reported death in a helicopter crash in Brazil marks the sudden end of a career that bridged internet culture and mainstream alternative music. While investigations into the incident are ongoing, early reports indicate multiple casualties and an unfolding inquiry by aviation authorities.

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