RIO DE JANEIRO: American singer and internet personality Oliver Tree and Argentine YouTuber Gaspar Prim, better known as Gaspi, were among six people killed when two helicopters collided in mid-air over Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, authorities said.
Global Shock and Tributes
The deaths of the two online stars sent shockwaves through their global fan communities, with tributes pouring in across social media platforms as news of the accident emerged. Tree, 32, had built a large international following through a mix of alternative pop music, performance art and internet comedy.
Known for hits including 'Life Goes On', 'Miss You' and 'Alien Boy', he had more than 11 million monthly listeners on Spotify and was in the midst of an international tour that had recently brought him to Brazil. His social media accounts showed him travelling through the country in recent days following a performance in Sao Paulo earlier this month. He had been scheduled to continue the tour with a concert in Lisbon next month.
Gaspi's Rise to Fame
Gaspi, whose real name was Gaspar Prim, was one of the most recognisable Spanish-language content creators on social media. The 23-year-old Argentine amassed millions of followers through prank videos, street interviews and comedy content that gained popularity across Latin America and Spain.
Industry observers said Gaspi had recently begun expanding beyond his online persona and exploring new creative projects. He had also participated in major influencer events, including Spain's high-profile creator boxing showcase, La Velada del Ano.
Details of the Collision
Brazilian authorities said both men were travelling aboard one of two helicopters involved in the collision. Also reported among the victims were Brazilian music producer Lucas Brito Chaves, video director Lucas Vignale and pilot Alexandre Souza. The pilot of the second helicopter, identified as Charles Marsillac, also died.
The helicopters collided above Recreio dos Bandeirantes, a western suburb of Rio de Janeiro, before crashing to the ground. The impact sparked a major fire after the aircraft fell into the parking area of an electric vehicle dealership. Authorities said one helicopter was carrying five passengers, while the second aircraft had only the pilot on board.
Emergency Response
Emergency crews recovered the wreckage from separate locations within the crash zone, with debris scattered across a wide area. Emergency responders battled flames that engulfed around 20 vehicles, while debris from the helicopters was scattered across a wide area. Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion and seeing thick black smoke rising above the neighbourhood.
Fire service spokesman Fabio Contreiras said the blaze presented unusual challenges for emergency responders. Officials said formal identification procedures were complicated by the severity of the fire, while aviation investigators began examining the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Investigation Underway
Brazil's Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents has launched an inquiry into the crash. Authorities said flight records, video footage and witness statements would be reviewed to determine what caused the two aircraft to collide.
The tragedy marks a devastating loss for the worlds of music and digital entertainment, claiming the lives of two influential online figures whose work had attracted millions of followers across multiple countries and platforms.
