Tributes flow after US Musician, Oliver Tree killed in helicopter crash

Oliver Tree has died in a helicopter crash in Brazil at the age of 32.

The US musician lost his life when two helicopters collided over Rio de Janeiro in Brazil on Sunday morning and crashed, killing all six people onboard, multiple Brazilian media outlets reported.

Rio de Janeiro's military fire department reported that the helicopters collided mid-air in the western suburb of Recreio dos Bandeirantes, before plummeting into the car park of an electric car dealership, setting ablaze about 20 cars.

Tree, who was in Brazil on a world tour, was aboard one of the helicopters that crashed, a police source told AFP.

Among the other passengers on the list are a Brazilian music producer, an Argentine video director, and Argentine YouTuber Gaspar Prim, known online as Gaspi.

Oliver Tree was well-known for weaving music and humour together in his content, with his signature bowl cut and style that made him one of the most recognizable artists of this generation.

Tree was known for songs including Life Goes On, Miss You, and Alien Boy and has more than 11 million monthly listeners on Spotify.

Several fellow artists from the electronic community have paid tribute to him on social media, including Badger, Robin Schulz, Oliver Heldens, Louis the Child, and more.

What So Not posted: “I keep waiting for this to be another stupid prank… I can’t believe it’s real man.”

“Silly videos & your genius aside, your music meant so much to people & I wonder how many knew how genuinely kind your heart was when you weren’t in character.”

Previous collaborator, Robin Schulz posted to his Instagram story: “I can’t believe Oliver is gone. You were such a lovely soul and a one-of-a-kind character. Working with you on ‘Miss You’ was an honor.”

YouTuber KSI said: “Can’t believe I’m actually having to type this. You’re 32 man. You should still be here. You still had so much life to live. So much music to make. So much content to make. You’re a legend and will always be a legend. Still doesn’t feel real. Genuinely feel sick. I love you bro.”

His reach has even been felt outside of electronic music, with T-Pain and Steve-O of Jackass fame, also posting tributes.

He was due to play more than 70 shows across 30 countries on seven continents during his world tour, including a New Zealand date in October this year.