Oliver Tree, the US alt-pop singer-songwriter known for his sped-up songs and comedic persona, dies at age 32 after a helicopter crash in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Multiple outlets report that Tree was one of six people killed when two helicopters collide mid-air on Sunday. Police in Rio de Janeiro confirm the deaths to CNN Brazil, and news reports cite a police source as saying there are no survivors.
Several articles place his death in the context of an ongoing world tour in South America, with coverage noting that he was travelling at the time of the crash. Outlets also describe his rise to popularity on the indie scene, including his breakout visibility from a viral alternative pop track associated with Whethan, and his debut EP release in 2013.
Across reports, the circumstances are consistent: two helicopters crash in Rio de Janeiro, six people die, and civil police confirm Tree’s identity. The reports do not provide additional details on the cause of the collision beyond stating it occurred mid-air.
