Six killed in Rio helicopter collision, including online stars

RIO DE JANEIRO: American singer and internet personality Oliver Tree and Argentine YouTuber Gaspar Prim, known online as Gaspi, were among six people killed after two helicopters collided in mid-air over Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, Brazilian authorities said.

The crash took place above Recreio dos Bandeirantes, in the western part of Rio, before both aircraft came down. Authorities said one helicopter was carrying five passengers, while the other had only its pilot on board. The aircraft fell into the parking area of an electric vehicle dealership, triggering a large fire.

Those reported killed besides Tree and Prim 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.

Artists and creator among victims

Tree, 32, had built an international audience through a blend of alternative pop, performance art and internet comedy. He was known for songs including Life Goes On, Miss You and Alien Boy, and had more than 11 million monthly listeners on Spotify. He had recently been in Brazil as part of an international tour and his social media posts showed him travelling in the country after performing in Sao Paulo earlier this month. He had been due to continue the tour with a concert in Lisbon next month.

Prim, 23, had become one of the better-known Spanish-language social media creators, drawing millions of followers through prank videos, street interviews and comedy content that found audiences across Latin America and Spain. He had recently started exploring projects beyond his established online persona and had also taken part in major influencer events, including Spain's La Velada del Ano creator boxing showcase.

Fire and investigation

Emergency teams recovered wreckage from separate points within the crash zone, where debris was spread across a wide area. Responders worked to put out flames that engulfed around 20 vehicles after the helicopters came down.

Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion and seeing thick black smoke rise over the neighbourhood. Fire service spokesman Fabio Contreiras said the blaze created unusual difficulties for emergency crews.

Officials said the intensity of the fire complicated formal identification procedures. Brazil's Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents has opened an inquiry into the collision. Authorities said investigators would examine flight records, video footage and witness statements to determine how the two helicopters came into contact.

News of the deaths prompted a strong reaction online, with tributes appearing across social media from followers of both Tree and Gaspi.