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Argentine content creator Gaspi, singer Oliver Tree die in Rio helicopter crash

From El Comercio · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • Two helicopters collided in the sky over Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, June 14, 2026, killing six people.
  • Among the deceased were Argentine content creator Gaspi and American singer Oliver Tree, whose bodies were found carbonized.
  • Aviation authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, which occurred in a residential area and destroyed several electric cars.

A mid-air collision between two helicopters over Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, June 14, 2026, resulted in the deaths of six people, including Argentine content creator Gaspi and American singer Oliver Tree. The accident occurred in the Recreio dos Bandeirantes coastal neighborhood, with official sources confirming the preliminary death toll to EFE.

One of the helicopters crashed onto a private parking lot, igniting immediately and destroying approximately twenty electric cars. Rescue and fire crews confirmed that the bodies of the occupants, including Gaspi, Oliver Tree, and producers Lucas Vignale and Lucas Brito Chaves, were completely carbonized, making immediate identification difficult. Forensic experts anticipate several hours for official confirmation.

Local aviation authorities reported that both pilots had extensive professional experience. The Center for Research and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (Cenipa) has taken charge of the preliminary technical investigations to determine the exact causes of the crash. The collision happened in a residential area under close surveillance.

The confirmation of the official identity of Gaspi, the singer Oliver Tree, and the other occupants will take several hours, as the recovered bodies were completely carbonized.

— Forensic expertsExplaining the challenges in identifying the victims after the helicopter crash.

In the hours leading up to the accident, the involved personalities were active on social media. Oliver Tree posted a video on Instagram with a local influencer, wearing the Brazilian national team's jersey. Meanwhile, Gaspi's followers expressed uncertainty due to his lack of direct updates from Brazil, where he was reportedly coordinating new projects.

Gaspi, whose real name is Gaspar Prim, gained significant popularity in South America for his humorous YouTube videos and street interviews. His reach expanded to Europe after participating in "La Velada del Año," an event organized by Spanish streamer Ibai Llanos. Oliver Tree, 32, was known for his alternative pop and indie rock music, with hits like "Life Goes On" and "Miss You." He was in South America for his "Tropitour" world tour, having recently performed in São Paulo before heading to Europe.

Both pilots had extensive professional experience in aviation.

— Local aviation authoritiesProviding details about the pilots involved in the fatal helicopter collision.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Comercio in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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