Two helicopters collided over Rio de Janeiro on Sunday morning, June 14, 2026, and crashed in the city's western zone, killing all six people aboard, including American singer and comedian Oliver Tree, according to firefighters. The Rio de Janeiro Military Fire Department reported that one of the helicopters came down in the parking lot of a car dealership where several electric vehicles were parked, sparking a fire that was quickly extinguished.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the mid-air collision. Police confirmed that Tree was listed on the passenger manifest submitted to aviation authorities, but they have not yet been able to identify the bodies recovered from the wreckage.
The helicopter carrying Tree had four passengers, including the pilot, while the other helicopter was occupied solely by its pilot, according to the manifest provided by Brazilian officials. Oliver Tree had performed at Lollapalooza in Chicago on July 29, 2021, and was known for his eclectic music and comedic persona.
The crash has sent shockwaves through the entertainment community and raised questions about air traffic safety in the region.