Music producer Victor Wao, a frequent collaborator of Oliver Tree, narrowly avoided tragedy after opting out of a helicopter flight in Rio de Janeiro due to his fear of flying, just moments before the aircraft collided mid-air with another chopper, killing all six people on board — including the genre-blending singer-songwriter.
The fatal incident occurred on the morning of June 14, 2026, over the Recreio dos Bandeirantes neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro. According to reports, two helicopters — a Bell 206B JetRanger III and a Eurocopter HB350 B Esquilo — collided at low altitude, with one crashing into a car dealership parking lot and igniting a fire that damaged or destroyed approximately 15-20 electric vehicles. The second helicopter went down nearby. No survivors were reported from either aircraft.
Among those killed were Oliver Tree (born Oliver Tree Nickell), age 32, who was in Brazil as part of his ongoing world tour following a recent performance in SĂŁo Paulo. Also lost were Argentine YouTuber Gaspar “Gaspi” Prim DĂaz (23), music producers Lucas Vignale and Lucas Brito Chaves (sometimes referred to as Lucas Frota), and pilots Alexandre Souza and Charles Marsillac (60). Bodies were transported to the Afrânio Peixoto Forensic Medical Institute, and Brazilian authorities continue to investigate the cause of the mid-air collision.
Wao had been scheduled to join the group traveling to Angra dos Reis. His close friend and fellow producer Lucas Vignale arranged alternative ground transportation for him after learning of his longstanding phobia of flying. Someone else took Wao’s seat on the helicopter.
In an emotional tribute shared on Instagram shortly after the crash, Wao posted a photo with Tree and Vignale and wrote (translated from Portuguese): “I was supposed to be with you guys in that helicopter, but I missed it at the last second… You told me that, since I was afraid of flying, you had gotten a car to take me… Now I owe you my life, brother. Thank you for being the best friend I could ask God for! I will always remember you with that smile… I love you forever.”
In the wake of the tragedy, Oliver Tree’s catalog saw a major streaming surge, with tracks like “Life Goes On” climbing charts globally.
Tree, known for his eclectic style and hits including “Miss You” with Robin Schulz, had released his fourth studio album earlier this year. Tributes have poured in from fans, collaborators, and his girlfriend, underscoring his unique impact on modern pop and alternative music.
Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of all those lost. Investigations into the crash remain ongoing.
