Two Influencers Reveal They Dodged Fatal Rio Helicopter Crash

Two Brazilian influencers have come forward to reveal they narrowly escaped the tragic helicopter crash in Rio de Janeiro that claimed six lives, including Argentine YouTuber Gaspar Prim Díaz, known as Gaspi. The flight was organized by Lucas Brito Chaves, also among the deceased.

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I was going to be on the helicopter today, in that accident, I was invited, only I couldn't because I had a commitment already scheduled.

Thiago Alcântara, an influencer who goes by Iae Break online, shared in a video that he was invited to join the flight but could not attend due to a prior engagement. He explained that Brito Chaves had introduced him to American singer Oliver Tree, another victim of the crash. Alcântara had been collaborating with Tree, filming content in Rio de Janeiro.

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Oliver came with the intention of connecting with Brazilians. He said Brazilians had an energy very similar to his.

"Oliver came with the intention of connecting with Brazilians. He said Brazilians had an energy very similar to his," Alcântara recounted. He described Tree as having a "giant heart" and being "extremely talented, focused, and determined."

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Oliver had a giant heart, he was extremely talented, extremely focused and determined.

Separately, music producer Victor WAO also shared that he had been invited on the flight but ultimately declined. WAO, a friend of Brito Chaves and Tree, posted a heartfelt tribute on social media expressing his shock and grief. He revealed that Brito Chaves had offered to arrange a car for him to Angra dos Reis due to his fear of flying, with someone else taking his place on the helicopter. "I owe you my life, brother," WAO wrote, deeply affected by the turn of events.

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I was supposed to be with you on that helicopter, but I didn't go at the last second. You told me that since I was afraid, you had arranged a car to take me to Angra and that someone else would go in my place... Now I owe you my life, brother. I don't know what to do now. I love you very much. I will never forget you, Lucas, you were pure light.