Oliver Tree Dies in Rio Helicopter Crash at 32

The accident involved two helicopters colliding in mid-air before crashing into an electric vehicle yard, igniting multiple fires. According to CNN Brasil, the victims included pilots Charles Marsillac and Alexandre Souza, alongside passengers Lucas Vignale, Gaspar Prim, and Lucas Brito Chaves. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the collision.

Only a month before the crash, Tree appeared on the Zach Sang Show to outline his final wishes. Known for his eccentric public persona, he revealed that he had structured his will to exclude his family from his fortune, opting instead to funnel the interest generated by his music into a foundation titled Doctor Oliver Tree’s Art Grants for Baby Geniuses. He spoke with a cynical clarity about his career, predicting that his artistic output—ranging from his music videos to his songwriting—would gain greater appreciation only after his death.

Tree’s career was defined by a calculated approach to viral fame and creative autonomy. After studying Music Technology at the California Institute of the Arts, he rose to prominence with the 2018 hit Alien Boy. Following a successful tenure at Atlantic Records, he recently parted ways with the label to release his latest project, Love You Madly Hate You Badly, through his own imprint, Alien Boy Records. He famously cited creative friction and the label's focus on social media trends as his reasons for leaving. Following the news of his death, peers including Melanie Martinez, Kid Cudi, and Bebe Rexha shared tributes, highlighting his dedication to his craft and his capacity for kindness.